Somers Remembers Sept. 11

On a beautifully sunny day, much like Sept. 11, 2001, Somers honored those whose lives changed on that morning 10 years ago.

“Now 10 years later, we gather to remember those that died that day – especially the 343 firefighters whose souls are represented in the Field of Flags – and to honor the firemen, the EMTs and police who so valiantly responded that day to complete and utter chaos,” First Selectwoman Lisa Pellegrini said. “Imagine what they were faced with that day as they stood looking at the devastation to the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the crash site in Pennsylvania. It was incomprehensible. They did not falter, quit, or leave the scene. They stayed on to help those in need, ultimately realizing that they may not come out alive.”

Chaplin Rev. Anthony Bruno opened the ceremony with an invocation and told the crowd that the hope and prayer today was twofold. He said that first, it was to acknowledge and always remember the martyrdom of the first responders with the permanent memorial, and secondly, to be motivated by that to always be agents of goodness.

“All persons of good will, regardless of their religion, desperately want peace, not war,” he said.

Congressman Joe Courtney was on hand and told the crowd that when he first heard about a plane hitting the World Trade Center, his reaction – and that of many others – was that it was a freak collision. Obviously, that was not the case.

“Trying to get our heads around the fact that this was something that was done intentionally and with malice really took days and weeks and months to grasp,” he said.

Somers Fire Chief Gary Schiessl told the crowd how Sept. 11 had a profound effect on him.

“When I saw the towers fall, it was unimaginable to think about how many of these brave men and women would probably perish,” he said. “For all firefighters, these heroes were truly our brothers. It didn’t matter that we had never met. All firefighters are still brothers because we share the same passion to help others.”

Courtney also talked about honoring the first responders who rushed into the devastation with no concern for themselves and the volunteers – medical personnel, firefighters, police, construction workers, and more – who poured in to assist.

“It was an amazing outpouring of volunteerism in the U.S.,” Courtney said. “And we had it here in town with the booths collecting (items) and trying to provide resources to help families and individuals who suffered that day.”

Courtney also talked about the military personnel who have taken up the cause since Sept. 11. According to Courtney, over 1,000 Connecticut residents are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan currently. He added that over 16,000 Connecticut residents have served in Iraq and Afghanistan in the last 10 years.

Courtney then introduced one of these men, Staff Sgt. Helman Roman from Manchester, who joined the National Guard after Sept. 11. Roman served in Iraq and was serving in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device – or IED – struck the vehicle he was riding in. He suffered shattering injuries to his legs, but has worked hard to get back on his feet.

“It is his example and so many others, some who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, that we should focus on here today,” Courtney said.

After lots of hard work, the at the firehouse is finally complete. Schiessl says that it is not only to honor the 343 firefighters, but also for the 60 police officers and eight EMS personnel who perished. He said that for the first time, the memorial will be lit on Saturday. Schiessl also encouraged everyone to come and visit the memorial whenever they would like.

Navy Captain Tim Keeney, a former Seal, told the crowd about Philip Nelson, who designed the first Sept. 11 memorial at the Somers Fire Department. Nelson did it as an Eagle Scout project and as a result of the monument, he became an Eagle Scout, Keeney said.

Keeney also said that Nelson is currently an officer in the Navy, serving on a light cruiser at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

In addition, Keeney also reminded everyone that while we are 10 years out from that tragic day, the struggles continue.

“I want to draw your attention to the need provide whatever assistance possible for those who continue to suffer from the effects of 9-11 – especially those first responders whose physical and mental heath have been severely damaged by that day,” he said.