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STAMFORD, Conn. Savannah Haims was only three months old on Sept. 11, 2001 but the young Stamford resident played a crucial role in her familys healing process during the aftermath of the attacks.
Having her helped us get through it, said Savannahs mother, Nicole Sandford, who was on matertiny leave on the day of the attacks. Its hard to be mad at the world when you have a three-month-old.
Ten years later, Savannah played an important part Friday in Stamfords wreath-laying ceremony at Cove Island Park. She presented an American flag that was dedicated to the city by her step-father, Daniel Sandford, who is stationed in Afghanistan. The flag was hung at the beach before Savannah gave it to Mayor Michael Pavia.
Theyre really proud of their step-dad, Sandford said of Savannah and her other daughter Nicole, who did not attend the ceremony.
Police Chief Robert Nivakoff said during the ceremony that he remembered seeing the planes crash into the towers on television and came to work immediately, even though it was his day off. He then went to clean up Ground Zero and later worked with victims' families.
I hope no member of this community is subjected to this kind of tragedy ever again, said Nivakoff, who added that he he been working over the past 10 years to prepare the Stamford for a similar attack.
At the end of Fridays ceremony, a wreath was floated out to sea and each person threw a red rose. There was also a 21-gun salute and Amazing Grace was played by the Connecticut Firefighters Pipe and Drum Band.
Where were you on September 11, 2001? How did you hear the news? Share below or e-mail reporter Anthony Buzzeo, tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com.
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