State Holds 9/11 Remembrance Events

One-hundred-fifty-three people who either lived in, or had ties to Connecticut, died the September 11 attacks.

Yesterday, a ceremony was held at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, where the state 9/11 memorial is located.

The names of 153 people were read.

Frank Gotlibowski, of Rocky Hill, was there to honor his friend, Jeff Bittner, who died in the World Trade Center.  

"(It’s) just important to me to remember him and everyone who was killed that day. We always stop on the way to New York. This will be out 10th year going to New York for the memorial,"  Gotlibowski said.

Frank said that even when he was laid off last year and money was tight, he still went to New York in memory of his friend.

Gov. Dannel Malloy has proclaimed Sept. 11 as "Honor Our Heroes and Remembrance Day" in the State of Connecticut.

"Let us never forget the lives that were lost and the sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and first responders," he posted on Facebook.

Today, several events to remember the victims will be held across the state.

Avon: The Avon Volunteer Fire Department will hold a 9/11 Memorial Service at AVFD Company 1, 25 Darling Drive, Avon on Tuesday, September 11, at 8:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

Bethel: Bethel’s fire departments will hold a remembrance ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 11.  At 6:30 p.m., meet at South Street Fire House to begin a silent procession to the municipal center, where the program begins at 6:45 p.m. The program should end between 7 p.m. and 7 10 p.m. More events are published on the Bethel Buzz Facebook page.

Bridgeport: On Tuesday, Sept. 11, Mayor Bill Finch, Fire Chief Brian Rooney and Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett will mark the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 with a brief speaking program at 10 a.m., and the reading of the names of the firefighters, police officers and first responders who lost their lives in the attack. Park outside the Margaret E. Morton Government Center, 999 Broad St. in Bridgeport. The event is open to the public.

Enfield: Parade steps off at 6 p.m. at Porter & Chester Institute, 138 Weymouth Road, and ends at EFD Station #2 (West Field). The ceremony begins around 6:30 p.m. Park at EFD Station #2 and take the shuttle to Porter & Chester. The last bus is at 5:55 p.m. Event will be held rain or shine. Refreshments will be served at fire station after ceremony.

Hartford: 9/11 event in Bushnell Park with 200 injured veterans. This is the first year that Ride 2 Recovery will make its way through New England, arriving in downtown Hartford on Sept. 11th with a ceremony in Bushnell Park. Riders will cross the Founder's Bridge at 3:30 p.m.; Speaking event-9/11 Remembrance in Bushnell Park at 4 p.m. Ride 2 Recovery supports the physical and psychological rehabilitation of injured veterans by using cycling as its core activity. .

Meriden: New Life Church will host the "11th Annual City of Meriden's 9-11 Memorial Service" on Tuesday, Sept 11, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. Service will include music from the 102nd Army Quartet with the New Life Music team, taps performed on bag pipes, video support and special awards to Meriden Police, Fire and Hunters Ambulance. The service is open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. at New Life Church , 262 Bee St. in Meriden. Refreshments following.

Middletown: The South Fire District will hold a ceremony and groundbreaking on September 11at 10 a.m. The ceremony will take place in front of the steel beam from one of the Twin Towers that was unveiled last year. The groundbreaking will be the start of a project that will result in a memorial that will be built around the beam as a place to reflect and remember those that gave all. Bricks will be sold and can be engraved with names and personal thoughts that will be used in the walkways around the memorial.

North Canaan: The Knights of Columbus will hold a National Day of Remembrance event from 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 11 until midnight on the grounds of St. Joseph Church, 4 Main St. The full schedule is posted at PatriotDay1.com. If you'd like to be a participant in the ceremonies email PATRIOTDAY1@COMCAST.NET or call 860-671-1018

Stamford: At 9:30 a.m., members of the Stamford Fire & Rescue Department and the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association participate in a public "9/11 Memorial Observance" in front of Stamford Fire & Rescue Department Station 5, 1620 Washington Blvd., Stamford.

West Haven: The city will observe the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks Tuesday with a flag-raising ceremony and candlelight vigil in memory of the victims. The public memorial service will begin with a presentation of colors by the West Haven Police Color Guard and a flag-raising by the West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard and the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society. The ceremony, set for 6:30 p.m. at the Bradley Point Park flagpole, will include representatives of the city and the police and fire departments. It also will include remarks from dignitaries. A candlelight vigil will follow at 7 p.m. the Richard S. Gabrielle Sept. 11 memorial on the beach walk by the Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St. Members of the Rotary Club will distribute candles and programs.


 

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