By John Kriz
The Town of New Canaan held a remembrance ceremony at Town Hall on 9/11 in honor and remembrance of the many victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the nation, which resulted in nearly 3000 deaths, with many thousands more later succumbing to various injuries and illnesses.
The fifty-plus attendees and dignitaries joined in singing the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, with a New Canaan Police honor guard in attendance. Fr. Flavian Bejan from St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church gave the invocation.
“It was a day that changed our nation and our world forever,” said First Selectman Dionna Carlson in her remarks.
“Here in New Canaan, this day is deeply personal,” noted the First Selectman. “We remember and honor the lives of three of our own: Joe Coppo, Eamon McEneaney and Bradley Fetchet. Their memories are woven into the fabric of our town, and their loss is still deeply felt by all who knew them.”
Lauding the heroic actions of so many first responders that day who rushed into danger to assist those in need – some giving their lives in the process — First Selectman Carlson also called for unity, encouraging people to “let this day continue to be a call—not just to remembrance—but to action. To be kind. To stay connected.”
New Canaan Fire Chief Albert Bassett spoke as well, stressing these themes, and noting the many 9/11-related charities, such as the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund and our local Voices of September 11.
Representatives from the town’s emergency services escorted a memorial wreath from Town Hall, placing it at the fire station’s 9/11 memorial. Soloist Nancy Le ville sang ‘God Bless America’.
The ‘5-5-5’ bell was also rung. Here, a bell is struck five times in succession – a traditional fire service recognition for first responders lost in the line of duty – followed by Jonathan Henken playing ‘Amazing Grace’ on the bagpipes. Fr. Flavian concluded the ceremony with a benediction.
