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Families and friends of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, came together here once again to commemorate their loved ones and take comfort that their memories haven’t faded as the nation prepares to mark the 16th anniversary of the terror attacks.
Nick is 16, too.
“He was 3 months old,” Sophie Pelletier Martinelli said, her voice quavering with emotion.
Behind them the fading sun shone on the sails of boats taking advantage of the strong breeze along the shoreline. Many stopped to gaze out at Long Island Sound, much like those residents who gathered in 2001 to watch the smoke from lower Manhattan and — later — stage the state’s relief efforts.
While that day was filled with unspeakable grief, it created a bond among the families of the 161 people lost who had connections to Connecticut, some of the event speakers said.
“That connection that has been gifted to us has made us more a part of the human family,” said Brian Mattiello, former director of the Office of Family Support.
During the ceremony, family members read the names of those who died. Alexandra Blackwell, who works for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, was among the first.
“My dad, New York City firefighter, Rescue 3, Christopher J. Blackwell,” she said.
The Bethel High School Navy JROTC presented the colors, and students from Geraldine W. Johnson School in Bridgeport led the pledge of allegiance.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cadet Glee Club offered a moving rendition of “America — My Country ’Tis of Thee” and U.S. Marine Cpl. Felipe Vieira played “Taps” on his trumpet from the grass outside the pavilion.
Gov. Dannel Malloy said annual commemorations allow those gathered to remember what was and what might have been and the contributions the dead made before their lives were cut short.
“That’s why we make this a memorial,” he said, “a memorial to their greatness.”
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