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GREENWICH, Conn. At Greenwichs September 11 Remembrance ceremony Sunday night, town officials, first responders, family members and residents gathered in front of Town Hall to pay respects to those who lost their lives 10 years ago in the terror attacks.
The message of our ceremony this evening is one of remembrance, fellowship, and peace, said Chris Hughes, veteran, master of ceremonies and member of the towns September 11 Remembrance Committee. Today we mark a day which the passage of time will never diminish in importance or in the amount of pain it holds for so many.
Hughes said he witnessed the event from the deck of the Intrepid Museum, alongside the director of force protection for the U.S. Navy. At some point around 8:45 this gentleman turned to me and said, Wow, the planes fly awfully low in New York City, and we watched the plane come down and strike the first tower. I dont remember actually moving from that spot until about 11:30 that morning.
The events speaker, Greenwich native and Navy Capt. Mark Turner, spoke of the heroes of 9/11, both living and lost. Our adversaries had to know that we could fly new planes and we could rebuild the buildings they touched. But they failed to grasp the enduring resolve of the American spirit. They could not come close to touching what this nation means and to what you, the survivors so elegantly reflect every day, said Turner.
Before the podium outside Town Hall, two flags were draped. The Flag of Honor represents all of the first responders lost on Sept. 11, and the Flag of Heroes names all of the victims of 9/11. Nothing can change the fact that they are gone, but what they left behind are the great memories, which will allow them to live on through all eternity, said Hughes.
As state Rep. Livvy Floren read the names of the 26 Greenwich residents and those with ties to the town who died in the attacks, Mary Jones, a volunteer for the American Red Cross, lit candles in remembrance. During the ceremony, residents and family members placed flowers before the flags, in memoriam.
How did you commemorate the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11? Comment below or email ahelhoski@thedailygreenwich.com.
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