Avon To Remember Events Of Sept. 11, 2001

AVON, CT — As hard as it is to believe for those alive back then, it has been 24 years since planes were deliberately crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in a field in Pennsylvania.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department will host a special 9/11 Memorial Service at its headquarters at 25 Darling Drive, Avon. Guests are asked to arrive by 7:45 a.m. for the 8 a.m. event.

That morning on Sept. 11, 2001, about 3,000 people were killed in simultaneous terror attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., and in Pennsylvania, including many police and firefighters.

"It has been 24 years since that fateful day. We will convene to remember, reflect, and recommit ourselves," wrote AVFD Chief Bruce Appell.

The day will begin with a "Tunnel to Tower Tribute Run" starting at 6:30 a.m. from the Church of Saint Ann on West Avon Road to the Co. 1 Firehouse on Darling Drive.

Firefighters will run in gear in tribute to Stephen Siller, a firefighter who lost his life on Sept. 11 when the towers collapsed.

The 8 a.m. ceremony will feature guest speaker Brig. Gen. Daniel McHalem (retired) from the Connecticut Army National Guard, who was Commander of the Quick Reaction Force, which deployed numerous times after the attacks.

It will also feature a moment of silence and the Firefighters' Prayer presented by Father George Roberts of St James Parish in Farmington.

Retired Avon Police Officer Sue Kassey will read her memorial poem, accompanied by the Sweet Adelines.

The Avon High School Choral Singers will perform under the direction of their teacher Andrew Brochu.