Branford’s remembrance of the Sept. 11 tragedy, sponsored by the and entitled "", took place on the town green on Sunday afternoon. The well-attended event, under a sparkling blue fall sky, featured speakers, music, drill teams, and culminated with the release of 300 painted lady butterflies. The event marked the tenth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorists' attacks and served as a memorial to those who lost their lives.
The event, hosted by WTNH’s Chris Velardi, opened with the entrance of the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, followed by other marching units which included the Governor’s Foot Guard, the United States Coast Guard, the American Legion as well as units from the Branford and departments.
The Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps then performed selections of martial music to an enthusiastic reception by the crowd.
An invocation by Monsignor David Walker of was followed by the , led by Cathy Ann Roding, singing the Star Spangled Banner, America, and God Bless America.
The speakers who followed included U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, and Branford First Selectman "Unk" DaRos. They shared remembrances of the fateful day and praised the heroes who gave of themselves to help others caught in the catastrophe.
Following a town-wide church bell tolling, , now a Branford resident, but at the time of Sept. 11, 2001, the Deputy Director of Communications for the New York City Fire Department, shared his personal memories, including those of lost of friends and colleagues on that terrible day.
Charlotte Mattel, Robert Gill, Ann Ormrod, and Tony Terry of the Branford Rotary Club then read the names of those natives of Connecticut who lost their lives in the attacks.
The Governor’s Foot Guard then raised, and re-lowered to half-staff, the American Flag on the Branford Green and played “Taps” in memorial to those who died.
The program concluded with remarks from Alpha Coiro, president of the Branford Rotary Club, the release of the butterflies in remembrance of those taken by the tragedy, followed by a benediction by of and the singing of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by the BHS Choir.
