Greenwich Honors Victims of 9/11

Although this year's Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony at Greenwich Town Hall was shorter, simpler and less well-attended compared to previous years, First Selectman Peter Tesei said the Town is "committed" to continue holding it for "many years, decades into the future."

"We gather this year as we have for the past 11 to collectively support the families who lost those who they hold most dear," Tesei said during the ceremony, which was attended by town leaders; police, fire, and EMS personnel; military officers; local clergy, and nearly 100 town residents. As Tesei spoke he was backdropped by a large American flag hung on Town Hall that glowed in the evening sunlight. "These victims were part of the Greenwich community — and each year we have vowed to pay our respect to each of them."

"I can tell you there have been instances of late where people have questioned whether or not we will continue this important ceremony," Tesei said. "They raise that because we have passed the 10 year milestone — and some of those who were part of that horrific day have said they would like to mourn and reflect in a different way."

"But we here in Greenwich are committed… to annually hold this remembrance ceremony so we can come together and support our neighbors, friends and families as they grieve," Tesei continued. "Through our unified display of community and support for the families of those lost… we demonstrate to those who committed such heinous acts that they will never break our steadfast commitment to liberty and freedom."

Christopher Hughes, veteran and member of the Greenwich 9/11 Remembrance Committee, which has organized the annual ceremony for the past 10 years, normally serves as the master of ceremonies, but this year had to attend another event in North Carolina with his son Phillip, who is in the U.S. Marines. Substituting for Hughes was Tony Savino, news director of WGCH radio.

"To the family members joining us please allow this gathering to serve as our solemn demonstration of our remembrance and support as community to each of you and your lost loved ones," Savino said.

During the ceremony, the First Company Governor's Horse Guard, under the direction of Lt. Cristina Kelleher, presented colors to members of Greenwich Boys & Girls Club Honor Guard under direction of Greenwich Police Lt. Richard Cochran. In addition, Greenwich police, firefighters and EMS workers each contributed their own ceremonies, with sacraments made at the podium, as state, town and civic leaders looked on.

The 30 minute ceremony also included a reading of the names of the 26 victims who are either from Greenwich or have ties to the town, as read aloud by state Rep. Livvy Floren.

Mary Jones, volunteer for Disaster and Emergency Services for the Greenwich chapter of the American Red Cross, lit a candle for each victim as Rep. Floren read the names.

In addition, invocations were read by the Rev. Chris Tate, associate pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Greenwich, and Monsignor Alan Detcsher, pastor at St. Catherine of Siena church in Riverside, both representing the Greenwich Fellowship of Clergy.

During the ceremony, those in attendance were invited to lay flowers at a flag-draped, candlelit, commemorative shrine in front of the podium on the Town Hall steps.

The ceremony concluded with a flag ceremony by the Boys and Girls Club Honor Guard.