Wounds of 9/11 Remain at Ceremony

Editor's Note: This multimedia package was originally published on Sept. 8. A new video has been added.

On Sept. 11, 2001, today's fifth graders at the Classical Studies Academy in Bridgeport were only a year old. While they have no memories of that day, they are involved in the tragedy like few others are.

Last year, they talked to firefighters as part of a class project. This year, they raised money to buy white roses to be used at the annual 9/11 ceremony at Sherwood Island State Park on Tuesday evening. They wore T-shirts emblazoned with a tribute to that day nine years ago.

"It was amazing getting the emotion out of them because they were just one when it happened," said Ryan Howard, a teacher at the school.

He's a little uneasy about next year. It will be the first class he's had that wasn't alive on 9/11 and it just seems bizarre that so much time has passed since nearly 3,000 people died.

At the ceremony dedicated to the 149 who perished in the World Trade Center Attacks, politicians and would-be politicians come out in droves to commemorate the event. More importantly, the family members of the deceased come. Some are brothers. Some are wives. Others are sons and daughters far too young to see a parent die.

After a series of speeches from religious and political leaders, such as Gov. M. Jodi Rell and Rabbi Alysa Mendelson of Westport's Temple Israel, the families walked from the pavilion to the nearby memorial.

The memorial, dedicated in 2002, is surrounded on two sides by water and adorned with the names of those that died. On a clear day, the Manhattan skyline can be seen from the memorial. Tuesday was sunny and windy – a beautiful day –  but too hazy.

The family members, friends and absolute strangers placed flowers and other mementos are placed on stones etched with the loved one's names. An American and Israeli flag was set near one. A bag of M&Ms was on another.

"I have been touched by your grace, by your dignity, by your unwavering and inspiring resolve to keep the memory of your loved ones brightly burning," said Rell, in what will be her last 9/11 ceremony as governor. "Time will never dim them. Not as long as each and every one of you live your lives with purpose and the abiding knowledge that you have made them proud."

Before the families placed flowers on the names, politicians greeted each person waiting in line. First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said that many people thanked the town for hosting this annual event.

"It was a duteous honor and one we wish we didn't have," said Joseloff.

For the tenth anniversary of the attacks, there are plans to add metal from World Trade Center and a glass display of the victims' photos.