On September 11, 2001 Westport — and the nation — changed forever.
The 9/11 terrorists did more than kill nearly 3,000 people (including several with local ties.) They changed our culture, politics, and sense of ourselves.
On a strikingly clear day, we saw smoke from the Twin Towers. Sherwood Island State Park was readied as a staging area that, tragically, was never needed.
The iconic 9/11 photo was taken by Staples High School graduate Spencer Platt. He lived near the Twin Towers on that awful morning.
Westporters — first responders, and others who just wanted to help in any way possible — spent time in the rubble, and nearby.
Sherwood Island is now the site of Connecticut’s 9/11 memorial. Scholarships honor the memories of friends and neighbors we lost.
Sherwood Island State Park 9/11 Memorial (Photo/David Squires)
Next month, our town will remember both the lives lost, and the extraordinary acts of kindness and unity that followed, in a special way. Officials have planned 4 days of service, to neighbors and the community.
Residents, families, businesses, schools, non-profits and community organizations are invited to gather, serve and honor together.
The 4-day observance — September 8 through 11 — will recognize the courage and sacrifices of first responders, military members and public servants, while strengthening our community through service, compassion and generosity.
Among the activities:
- A ceremony on September 8, with a call to serve throughout the week
- Volunteering with a participating Westport non-profit
- Donating food, supplies or funds to a non-profit
- Performing independent acts of kindness or community service
- Thanking first responders, veterans, healthcare professionals, teachers, and others who serve our town
A special page on the town website (click here) includes information about volunteer opportunities, donations, and other ways to get involved.
9/11 Memorial & Museum (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
There is also an “Online Tribute Wall.” Residents are invited to share:
- A memory of September 11, 2001
- A tribute to someone who was lost
- A story of service or kindness
- Recognition of a first responder, veteran, healthcare worker, teacher, volunteer or community member
- A message of gratitude
- A photograph and the story behind it
- A reflection on what September 11 means to you today.
Submissions may include a name, or be posted anonymously.
View from the Sherwood Island 9/11 Memorial. (Photo/John Kantor)
After the 4 Days of Service and Remembrance, the town will publish highlights of volunteer participation, acts of service, charitable giving, and stories of remembrance.
For now, put September 8 to 11 on your calendar.
That time of year is always busy. School, and many programs, start up again. Organizations swing back in action. Everyone kicks into fall mode.
But 9/11 is special.
Whether you were here that day or not — or were alive or not yet born — it’s time to pause.
Reflect.
And then — as Americans did, a quarter century ago — take action, in whatever way you can.
