Crime & Safety

'Reflect, Remember and Recommit' on 9/11

The Avon Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual 9/11 memorial service on the 12th anniversary of the national tragedy September 11, 2013.

On the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C., United States Marines veteran Mike Nolan asked police, firefighters, town officials and area residents attending the Avon Volunteer Fire Department's annual 9/11 memorial service to do three things.

Reflect. Remember. Recommit. 

"Think back to that day 12 years ago," Nolan, lieutenant of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department's Company 1 station, said. "Remember those lives lost and sacrifices made. Let us also remember the thousands of men and women that have served our country since then, fighting and way too often dying each and every day to hold terror and tyranny at bay. Let us also remember the men and women in blue, the firefighters and police officers who day in and day out selflessly put their lives in harms way to keep us all safe."

He reflected on Avon's Amy Toyen who "was taken from us way to early" when she was killed in the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11. Nolan also asked people to remember Staff Sgt. Todd "TJ" Labraico, 22, of New Fairfield, CT, who was killed in combat in Afghanistan this week and the 19 firefighters who died fighting a wildfire in Arizona recently.  

Dorine and Martin Toyen, Amy's parents, attended the event.

"As we remember, let's also reflect on how our nation came together on Sept. 11, 2001, one of our darkest moments to become a shining beacon of hope, resolve and community," Nolan said. "Let's recommit to the promises we made 12 years ago to always remember, never forget, as we're doing here today. To live lives full of love, respect and compassion."

Avon resident Jean Barton was at the World Trade Center in New York City the day before 9/11. 

"I can't believe it's been 12 years," said Barton, who serves as a fire police lieutenant for the Avon Volunteer Fire Department.

Members of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department and Avon Police Department officers attended the service in uniform. 

Avon High School's chamber choir sang the Star-Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful at the ceremony. Avon Police Officer Susan Kassey read her original 9/11 tribute poem, written in 2001, backed by the sweet singing of the Sweet Adelines a cappella group. Town Manager Brandon Robertson and Barton also spoke at the service.

9/11 caused uncertainty, "tragedy," "shaken confidence" and "shattered glass," Robertson said. People "all across the country answered the call with selfless volunteerism" in the aftermath of the tragedy and public service played a role in re-energizing and strengthening the nation, he said. 

"It's truly because of you that the great nation is safe and secure in the face of disaster," Robertson said 

The ceremony was open to the public and held at the 25 Darling Drive fire department headquarters. The volunteer fire department hosts the memorial service on the morning of 9/11 every year. 

It was an opportunity on a "very solemn day" for friends, family members and town officials to be together and reflect on 9/11, Barton said. 

Toward the end of the ceremony, Nolan led a moment of silence to "remember, reflect and recommit."

What do you do to remember, reflect and recommit on 9/11?


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