Fairfield Marks 20th Anniversary Of 9/11 With A Solemn Ceremony

FAIRFIELD, CT — Saturday’s 9/11 anniversary marked 20 years since the shocking and terrible day in 2001 when thousands died.

A special remembrance ceremony held 9 a.m. in front of the town's main firehouse drew dozens of police and firefighters, local officials, and members of the public.

“Today we grieve the thousands lost and we grieve for those who ran to help,” said Alida Warde, pastor of the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, who gave the opening prayer.

Fire Chief Denis McCarthy spoke about the importance of the phrase “never forget.”

“What does that mean?” he asked, sharing figures of the many killed that day in different scenarios, including trying to rescue people from the Twin Towers.

“We will never fully appreciate the countless firefighters who stood their ground … with knowledge that they themselves would never make it out alive,” he said.

McCarthy also noted those who have since died from injuries or cancer related to work at the World Trade Center site.

“Tragically, those losses continue, unabated,” he said.

He said, however, that since 9/11, fire and police personnel, as well as others, have collectively become known as first responders.

“Collectively we strive to honor the legacy of the heroes of 9/11,” he said.

Chief of Police Robert Kalamaras called 9/11 a solemn day for first responders, “past and present,” but also noted the aftermath.

“In the wake of the atrocities that occurred (our) nation’s citizens came together,” he said.

State Sen. Tony Hwang, likewise, focused on the positives that came about from the event in terms of unity amidst the country.

“People didn’t care about parties,” he said. “People didn’t care about issues. People cared about being united as Americans.”

“Let’s work on that every single day,” he said.