Massachusetts

WATCH: Mass. Remembers Victims of 9/11 at State House Ceremony

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It’s been 21 years since the 9/11 terror attacks and there are a slate of events scheduled Sunday to remember it at the Massachusetts State House.

The day of reflection started with a flag raising and name reading ceremony in Ashburton Park with Gov. Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, among others in attendance.

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After that, people were paying tribute to the first responders and 14 flight crew members from Massachusetts, with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito presenting the annual Sweeney award for civilian bravery.

It’s named after Madeline Amy Sweeney, an American Airlines flight attendant from Acton. She contacted crews on the ground 21 years ago with critical information about the hijackers.

“She represents the good people in our communities that stand out to do the right thing, to stand up in a hard moment and put themselves behind another person,” Polito has said.

Annette Szivos said she is humbled to receive the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery -- named for the American Airlines flight attendant from Acton, Massachusetts, who 20 years ago Saturday contacted a crew on the ground to relay information about the men who'd hijacked Flight 11 and crashed it into the World Trade Center.

Polito will present that award as she does every year with Anna Sweeney, Amy’s daughter. 

“Around this time of year it’s always harder because everything highlighted," Anna Sweeney said. "Towers highlighted. We want to recognize our family members in a more positive way.”

Still, Amy Sweeney said that while it’s a heavy day, it’s also a rewarding one. 

"I find a lot of joy in this day actually because of my mom's award, able to recognize other heroes throughout the state really rewarding to my family and sheds light on something positive that happened on this day,” she said.

The full schedule for events on Sunday on Beacon Hill included a moment of silence at 8:30 a.m., a commemoration observance at 9:40, a service day at 11 and a wreath laying at 1:30 p.m.

The loss of Flight 11 captain John Ogonowski still feels raw to his co-pilot of over a decade. Ogonowski was flying the first plane that hijackers crashed into the World Trade Center.

"Just a super professional and a great father," Brian Dubie said. "Great family man. Kind of guy you want to go spend a four-day trip with.”

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