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Westbrook to Commemorate 9/11 with Ceremony

To recognize the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Town of Westbrook will hold a memorial event at 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green on Saturday, Sept. 11.

First Selectman Noel Bishop told the Harbor News that the ceremony will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and will last no more than 30 minutes. The ceremony will include remarks from Bishop, a priest, a speaker from the fire department, and a trooper or constable. There will also be singers and a ladder truck on hand to display an American flag.

Bishop said that in the past Westbrook usually recognized the day in a subdued way without a formal ceremony; usually the fire department would display a flag. But with 20 years being a significant anniversary, Bishop said it was important that the town acknowledge the events of that fateful day in some way.

“I think people expect our community and our leaders to commemorate the day in some way,” said Bishop.

Bishop also said that much like Memorial Day or other solemn days on the calendar, the date is a time where people can put aside differences and galvanize behind the meaning of the day.

“It just really brings the community together,” Bishop said.

Bishop added that he hoped to see members of the public attend the ceremony and that there will be plenty of parking around the green.

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001 Americans and people across the world were shocked, saddened, and angered after terrorists hijacked four planes and crashed them into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. A fourth plane, reportedly headed for the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers aboard the flight disrupted the hijackers and prevented the plane from going to its intended destination. The attacks claimed the lives of close to 3,000 people and had far-reaching and life-altering effects after.

Sadly, the effects were also felt close to home. Eight people with ties to Eastern Connecticut were killed in the crashes including Dianne Bullis Snyder, whose hometown was Madison.