Connecticut Remembers

Weston Today photos

An observance on September 4 at Sherwood Island State Park honored the memory and lives of those who perished in terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

A ceremony of prayer and remembrance included a reading of the names of 161 people with ties to Connecticut who died on that tragic day. Afterward, Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz led a procession to the park’s 9/11 Memorial, where family and friends placed roses where the names of those lost are etched in stone.

The ceremony gathering heard the thoughts and memories of Mr. Lamont and Ms. Bysiewicz and from Mary Fetchet, who lost her son on 9/11. Ms. Fetchet spoke about Voices of September 11, the group originally formed in her home to support other grieving families that eventually became a major organization to preserve memories and prevent future tragedies.

Ms. Fetchet paid tribute to the sacrifice by emergency responders on 9/11, and said to this day related injury and illness continue to add to the toll.

The ceremony was led by Brian Mattiello. An opening prayer was offered by Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel in Westport, the benediction by Rev. Dean Ahlberg of the First Church of Christ in Redding. The national anthem was sung by Tony Harrington.

The ceremony ended with the playing of “Taps” by John Beers of Bugles Across America. Then came the procession to the memorial stone.