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By Senator Rob Kane
Everyone will always remember where they were and
what they were doing when terrorists attacked our nation
on September 11, 2001. Parents remember the quick stab
of fear they felt for their children. Husbands and wives
immediately called each other to reassure themselves
of their spouses’ safety.
Here in Connecticut, so many had someone dear to them
who did not return home safe on that horrible day. For
them, and for all in our nation who died or lost someone
they loved, those of us fortunate enough to live in
this great nation must never forget the victims, the
survivors and the heroes of September 11, 2001.
Governor M. Jodi Rell has issued a proclamation to
mark the annual Day of Remembrance for the terrorist
attack on September 11, 2001. Her proclamation reads
in part:
“As years pass and details fade, the heart of
this occasion never loses its importance or impact.
Events like this are first and foremost about people
– the innocent people who lost their lives and
those left behind to cope and heal It is also about
honoring the hopes and dreams of those who perished,
supporting those who feel loss and educating those who
indirectly share in the experience . . . So let us use
this anniversary as an opportunity to not only mourn
and reflect, but to honor and grow. Although we all
wish to avert tragedy, it may befall us just the same.
When it does, let us be propelled to goodness in its
wake. Let us never relinquish our basic commitment to
one another in times of need, nor the ideals that our
great Nation was built upon.”
Connecticut is still reeling from the loss of the
156 individuals with ties to our state who died in the
terrorists’ attacks on September 11, 2001. Besides
issuing the proclamation declaring Connecticut’s
annual Day of Remembrance, Governor Rell made plans
to attend the memorial service scheduled for September
9th at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. You may
remember that the twin towers of the World Trade Center
were visible from Sherwood Island before they were destroyed
in the terrorist attack. Those who gathered there on
September 11, 2001, and for several days after, could
see the smoke. Our state prepared to use this location
as a staging area from which to provide any assistance
we could offer to New York City.
Today, Sherwood Island State Park is the site of Connecticut’s
9-11 Living Memorial, which includes an inscribed nine
foot long memorial stone that visitors can read while
facing the location of the fallen World Trade Center
across Long Island Sound. The inscription reads: “The
citizens of Connecticut dedicate this living memorial
to the thousands of innocent lives lost on September
11, 2001 and to the families who loved them.”
The publicly accessible memorial site is about one-third
of an acre in size, and its design incorporates trees,
shrubs, planters and granite benches.
Eight years later, so many of our nation’s brave
military men and women continue to fight the war on
terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. In communities across
the country, dedicated police officers, firefighters
and other first responders continue to risk their lives
to protect the lives of others as they did in the aftermath
of the September 11, 2001 attacks. We owe them our gratitude,
and we owe them and their families our promise as citizens
of this nation and of this state to never forget all
they have done, and continue to do, for us.
Take some time on this September 11th to remember
the events of that fateful day eight years ago, and
to be grateful for all that our country still is despite
the vicious attacks of those who would destroy us. Just
as important, don’t let the opportunity pass to
say “thank you” to the veterans, soldiers,
police officers, firefighters and first responders you
know. They and their families help to keep our nation
strong, and free.
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