Dear Editor,
This letter is to offer our support of Grace Farms, both in our role at Voices of September 11th as well as longtime residents of New Canaan. Our family has lived in New Canaan for 30 years, and during that time we raised our three boys and have been involved in a number of local organizations that have supported the community. Following the loss of our 24-year-old son Brad on 9/11 we founded a nonprofit organization, Voices of September 11th which is headquartered in New Canaan.
Like so many communities in the tri-state area, New Canaan was impacted by the terrorist attacks—families lost loved ones while others lost colleagues and friends. Many who survived the attacks may have narrowly escaped or witnessed it firsthand, while others bravely responded or worked in the recovery effort. For most, our sense of security was changed profoundly that day.
For 16 years VOICES has continued to provide support service for thousands of victims’ families, survivors and responders living in the United States and abroad, whose needs continue today. Each September VOICES hosts a two-day symposium in New York City in advance of the Annual Commemorative Service at the 9/11 Memorial. Unfortunately we have been unable to plan a commemorative event in a community we care so much about—New Canaan.
Last year through a partnership with Grace Farms we co-hosted a 15th Anniversary Commemorative event at Grace Farms for New Canaan residents—“Remembrance, Renewal and Resilience.” The event provided an opportunity for local residents to gather to commemorate the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11, and to learn about national security issues that impact the safety of our community and the world. With the frequency of acts of terrorism and mass violence, such as the shootings in Newtown, many are interested in the current state of affairs, as well as how to build personal resiliency in a world of uncertainty. We are very grateful to Grace Farms for providing a respectful place for our community to gather to look back, remember, reflect and look ahead with renewed hope and resolve.
In closing, as a 30-year resident of our wonderful town—to us Grace Farms is one of the jewels that makes New Canaan so special. We congratulate Sharon Prince on her leadership in transforming the vision of Grace Farms into a place of solace for our community. It was an honor to work with Sharon and her team, and we are grateful for their caring and compassion in hosting a day of Remembrance, Renewal and Resilience.
Warm regards,
Frank and Mary Fetchet
Volces of September 11th