Greenwich will hold two public memorial services on Sept. 11 to mark 25 years since the terrorist attacks that killed 32 residents with ties to the town.
The morning ceremony begins at 8:46 a.m. at the September 11th Memorial in Cos Cob Park. That time marks the moment the first plane struck the North Tower in 2001. Organizers ask attendees to arrive by 8:30 a.m.
First Selectman Fred Camillo will deliver welcoming remarks, according to Living Greenwich. Former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, Capt. Mark Turner, USN (Ret.), and Karen Fassuliotis will also speak. Fassuliotis has served on the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the Representative Town Meeting.
The names of all 32 Greenwich victims will be read aloud. A combined Honor Guard from the Greenwich Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service will present a ceremonial American flag. The program also includes prayers, musical tributes and the laying of wreaths.
After the service, bagpipers and the Honor Guard will lead a procession past the waterside pavilion to the memorial. Flowers will be available for attendees to place at its base, and guests may walk the labyrinth.
Bells and cannon salutes will mark key moments in the attack timeline throughout the morning. The Honor Guard will remain posted until 10:28 a.m., the time the ceremony program designates as the final tower collapse, when a closing bell toll and cannon salute will end the observance.
The American Red Cross will provide water and support on site. Seating will be available. Parking at Cos Cob Park is limited, but free shuttle service from Metro-North commuter lots will be operated by TAG.
The ceremony will be held rain or shine.
Stephanie Dunn Ashley and Wells Noonan organized the Cos Cob Park service through the Greenwich Community Projects Fund, a tax-exempt nonprofit. Residents who want to support the event can reach them at [email protected] or call Noonan at 203-984-8212.
A second ceremony takes place that evening at the Glenville Firehouse, 266 Glenville Road. The Glenville Volunteer Fire Company will host the service at its World Trade Center steel memorial, which honors both victims and first responders. Members will form up in Class A uniforms at 6 p.m., with the ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m.
Patch first reported the Glenville event on Aug. 21.
Upcoming community events
- Sept. 11, 8:46 a.m. — 25th anniversary ceremony, September 11th Memorial, Cos Cob Park (arrive by 8:30 a.m.)
- Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. — 25th anniversary ceremony, Glenville Firehouse, 266 Glenville Road (arrive by 6 p.m.)
