Avon Volunteer Fire Department to Host 9/11 Memorial Service on 12th Anniversary

Another year, another 9/11. 

What was once an average day has become a national day of mourning, memorializing the lives lost in the tragedy on Sept. 11, 2001. The day has also become a symbol of resilience as a nation coming together and showing love and support for each other. 

9/11 means something different to everyone. For me, I was a student at Farmington High School when our principal announced over the intercom that two planes had struck the World Trade Center. The attack didn't sink in until we watched footage of the towers falling and media coverage in the rest of our classes that day. My dad was in New York that day on business, which I didn't remember until a neighbor informed me he was safe as I walked to soccer practice. I shared his account of being in New York that day in a column that ran close to the 10th anniversary in 2011. My family was lucky, but not everyone's was. 

Every year, residents put flowers by a statue in front of the Avon Free Public Library of Amy Toyen, an Avon native who was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City during a business trip there that day. Her memory lives on with her family and the community.

Jon Widing, chaplain of the Avon fire and police departments, traveled to Ground Zero after 9/11 to help with the relief efforts in 2001. 

Avon firefighters, police officers, town officials and residents also gather for a memorial service at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department Company 1 fire station at 25 Darling Drive. The memorial service this year starts at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

For the 10th anniversary, two years ago, Avon Police Officer Susan Kassey read a tribute poem she wrote about 9/11.

Just like 9/11 was an average day for me of school and soccer practice in 2001, people go about their usual routines on 9/11 year in and out. 

This Wednesday, for instance, Avon High School's boys and girls varsity cross country teams will race Coventry, East Granby and Bolton at 4:15 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., respectively on Sept. 11. at Fisher Meadow. 

Temperatures are expected to rise to as high as 91 degrees, with chances of thunderstorms and rain before 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

What do you think about on 9/11? You can post your thoughts and memories of loved ones lost in our community boards or blog about it.