Remembering September 11, 2001

9-11 Memorial represents the pledge that we will never forget the loves ones we lost on that fateful day, on Sept. 11th, nine years ago. Their spirits and our memories, like this memorial here at Sherwood Island, will always remain with us. We must never forget the tragedy and the loss that occurred,” said State Representative Tony Hwang.

Each time I enter our church I pass by a stone at the entrance with the names of five men, parishioners with eleven children between them, who were killed on September 11, 2001. Their names will be forever engraved on the hearts of the friends and relatives who mourn them every single day. For everyone else, the stone monument in front of the church serves as a perpetual reminder of what happened on that terrible day – of all we lost, of the bravery shown by the first responders who did everything possible to help, of the selflessness of the men and women who spent the last moments of their lives fighting to keep their doomed plane from causing an even greater tragedy, of the unity and pride and defiance shown by all Americans in the face of fear and grief.

 The world mourned with us in the weeks and months following 9-11-2001. So many still suffer, and will for years to come. But, inevitably, the memories will fade for those who were not directly affected by the events of that day. That is one of the reasons it is so important that we continue to hold remembrance ceremonies every year. As individuals and as a nation, we must never forget  the horror, the pain,  the bravery, the sacrifices and the determination to protect our nation and everything we stand for as citizens of the United States.

I was privileged to attend the beautiful and moving remembrance ceremony at Sherwood Island this week, where Governor Rell and other state dignitaries stood with the families and friends of those lost in the terrorist attacks nine years ago. Today, this beautiful place at Sherwood Island serves as a peaceful memorial looking out over Long Island Sound.  Many of us, however, remember how it looked on 9-11-2001 as the park was turned into a staging area for the remains of the dead and for first responders.

Pictured from left to right are: State Representative Tony Hwang (R-134); Governor M. Jodi Rell; Paul Kerwin, father of a 9-11 victim, State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26); and Brian Mattiello.

This year’s remembrance ceremony at Sherwood Island was beautiful and moving. As the names of those who died that day were read, one little boy excitedly cried out to his mother when his father’s name was spoken. His mother, clearly overcome by grief, remained motionless. At the end of the ceremony, a single white rose was laid on each of the 149 tiles etched with the names of Connecticut residents and those who have close ties to the state who died on 9-11.

 Thoughts of 9-11 are always uppermost in our minds near the anniversary, but the existence of Connecticut’s 9-11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island makes it possible for us to remember and pay tribute at any time.  Three granite stone benches overlook the individual stones as if standing guard, and provide a peaceful, clear view of Long Island Sound. If you visit, I believe you will agree that this memorial serves not just as a fitting tribute to the people we lost that day, but also as a lasting reminder of how kindness and selflessness can transform even humanities’ worst cruelties into something of lasting beauty and hope.

 I encourage you to take time to visit Connecticut’s 9-11 Living Memorial this weekend, or whenever you can.  As Americans, we should never forget 9-11 as it is now a part of our history. In Connecticut, it has become a part of all who remember the relatives, friends and neighbors who died that day or who worked so hard and long to save others. We must ensure that our children and grandchildren understand what happened that day and, thus, remember after we are gone.

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