The Town of Wilmot is planning a memorial program and tree dedication for the 15-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that sent hundreds of airline passengers to their deaths and rocked the core of American airline security.

One of the passengers, Thelma Cuccinello of Wilmot, was aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane to crash into the World Trade Center. She and all who lost their lives were honored with a proclamation at a memorial ceremony on September 11, 2002 that ends: “Resolved, that this proclamation be publicized for all to see and know that the citizens of Wilmot remember with eternal respect those whose lives were suddenly, without cause, and pointlessly taken from them on September 11, 2001.”

At the September 11, 2002 memorial ceremony, the new bandstand on the Wilmot Town Green was dedicated to all who lost their lives on September 11. Funds for the construction of the bandstand were raised by Wilmot citizens through bake sales, car washes, and other fundraisers, including starting a farmers market. The market, now known as the Wilmot Farmers Market, was formalized as a non-profit in 2005 and is still in operation from the end of June through September each year.

A plaque honoring Thelma’s sacrifice will be installed on September 11, 2016 at the base of the maple tree planted in the Wilmot Town Green at the memorial service on September 11, 2002. The tree is one of many purchased by the United States Postal Service for several New Hampshire towns that lost citizens in the disaster.

The 911 Committee is raising funds to pay for the plaque. Their goal is $900.

Donations for the plaque, in any amount, are gratefully welcomed. Please send your check to the Bandstand Committee, PO Box 72, Wilmot NH 03287, or you may stop by the Wilmot Town Office at 9 Kearsarge Valley Road Tuesday through Thursday.