Connecticut Remembers

Weston Today photos

An observance on September 9 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.

Officials paying their respects included U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, State Treasurer Erick Russell, State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Westport First Selectman Kevin Christie, and several State legislators.

At the ceremony

Trevor Ugolyn

Speakers at the ceremony included Trevor Ugolyn, who spoke movingly about his brother Tyler and the nightmare of that tragic day 25 years ago.

Sophie Pelletier Martinelli

Sophie Pelletier Martinelli, who lost her husband that day, spoke about the pain of loss and learning to build from it.

The ceremony was led by Brian Mattiello, former director of the Office of Family Support. An opening prayer was offered by Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel. The Pledge was led by students from the Geraldine W. Johnson School, and Tony Harrington sang the National Anthem. The U.S. Coast Guard Glee Club also sang.

Margaret Eckert, Kristine Morehouse, Sophie Pelletier Martinelli and Sydney Pelletier, each of whom lost a family member on 9/11, read the names of those who perished. Marie Keogh led a moment of silence. Pastor David Johnson Rowe of Greenfield Hill Congregation Church spoke the benediction.

Mr. Mattiello

Rabbi Friedman

Mr. Harrington

Gov. Lamont

Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz

Coast Guard Glee Club

Pastor Rowe

The ceremony ended with the playing of “Taps.”