‘We Witnessed Remarkable Courage’: Town Marks 9/11 at Solemn Ceremony

Standing atop the front steps of Town Hall on Wednesday morning, First Selectman Dionna Carlson noted that the weather—blue skies, gentle breeze—reminded her of a fateful day 23 years earlier.

Addressing more than 100 town residents, employees and volunteers—including strong representation from New Canaan Police, New Canaan Fire and New Canaan Emergency Medical Services—Carlson described the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as “something those of us who lived through that day will never, ever forget.”

“We gather to honor and remember the 2,977 souls lost on September 11, 2001, a day that reshaped our world and forever marked our hearts,” Carlson said during the town’s annual ceremony marking 9/11. 

She continued: “We reflect on those tragic events that unfolded as American Airlines flight 11, United Airlines flight 175 struck the World Trade Center towers, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93 went down in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, instead of its intended target, either the Capitol or the White House, due to the bravery of the patriots on board. In our town, we feel the weight of this day even more deeply as we remember the lives of our own residents who were taken from us that day: Joe Coppo, Eamon McEneaney and Bradley Fetchet. Their absence is a poignant reminder of the personal impact of that fateful day. We also pay tribute to the countless first responders who displayed unparalleled bravery, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage continues to inspire us. We honor those who, in the years since, have suffered from illnesses caused by their selfless service. Their legacy is a testament to the resilience and spirit of our nation. As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, let us hold close the memories of those we lost and the enduring strength of this community. May we remain united in our resolve to cherish each day,  support one another, and strive for a future of peace and understanding, and never forget.”

Led by New Canaan EMS President Alec Montgomery, the approximately 30-minute ceremony included prayers led by the Rev. Dr. Stephen Chapin Garner, a moment of silence, presentation of the U.S. flag by New Canaan Police (Lt. Marc DeFelice) and Fire (firefighter Mike Esposito) Color Guard, bagpipes, singing of “God Bless America” by Nancy Upton and “America the Beautiful” by New Canaan High School Choir member Henry Tate and placement of a wreath in front of the firehouse across Main Street that included three carnations, representing each of the deceased local men. There, just outside the New Canaan Fire Department stands a 16-foot section from the floor of World Trade Center Tower One on the 99th floor, just above the impact point of United flight 175. Fire officials rang a bell 5-5-5—a pattern used during the telegraph era to signal that a firefighter has died in the line of duty.

Garner, pastor at the Congregational Church and New Canaan EMS chaplain, during an opening prayer, said that when good and evil come face-to-face, those who show “courage, compassion and the commitment to stand together and stand strong will always win the day.”

“On this bright and brilliant morning, Lord God, we are reminded of another morning, more than 20 years ago, when a cloudless and still September sky was the canvas upon which a terrible act of terror was planned and painted,” Garner said. “Lord, we gather to remember today not merely the horror of that day, but also the heroism. For both the worst of humanity and the best of humanity were on display. Lord God, we witnessed those bent on taking life, but we also saw the many who offered their lives so that others might live.”

In addition to Carlson and Montgomery, notable officials in attendance included Selectmen Steve Karl and Amy Murphy Carroll, Police Commissioner Paul Foley, Town Councilman Jennifer Zonis, EMS Commissioner Melanie Barnard, Board of Education member Julie Toal, Utilities Commission member Sven Englund, Police Chief John DiFederico, Fire Chief Albe Bassett and state Rep. Lucy Dathan (D-142nd).

Montgomery said 9/11 is a day not only to remember those who perished during the attacks and their aftermath, but also to “reaffirm our commitment to the values” that make the community and nation stronger. Among the nearly 3,000 who died on that day were 343 New York City firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers, he said, and there are more than 4,300 first responders, recovery and construction workers and survivors of the attack who “have since lost their lives due to exposure to toxic dust and debris in the aftermath of the collapse of the Twin Towers.”

“Countless more suffer from debilitating medical conditions,” Montgomery said. “We come together each year to honor and remember all those who have lost their lives. We also come together each year to remind ourselves that the attacks that were meant to instill fear, to fracture and divide us. But they did the opposite. On that morning in 2001, our world was shaken to its core. But in the midst of chaos and devastation, we witnessed remarkable courage. Ordinary men and women became extraordinary. Firefighters, police officers, EMTs and everyday citizens rushed toward the danger to help others on the day and in the days, weeks and months that followed, we saw the best of humanity emerge: Strangers helping strangers, communities rallying together, and a nation standing united in grief and determination. It is that unity, that resilience and unwavering commitment to our core values of freedom, justice and compassion that makes our country stronger. In honor of those we remember today, let us live lives with purpose, helping our neighbors in need, nurturing our community and standing for the principles of freedom and justice. Finally, it is important that we teach our children not only about the tragedy of 9/11, but about the bravery,  the unity, and the shared humanity that followed. In doing so, we ensure the legacy of those who perished.”