MONROE, CT — This year’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, held at the Monroe firehouse on Shelton Road Wednesday, not only served as a reminder of the horrific terrorist attacks on U.S. soil on September 11, 2001, it also chronicled the continuing toll among first responders who dug through the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York in search of survivors.
Of the 3,000 people who lost their lives that day, were 343 firefighters, 60 police officers and eight emergency medical technicians in New York City, as well as 53 members of the military who died in the attack on the Pentagon.
Monroe Fire Chief Kevin Catalano said many firefighters died since that day, most from cancer and respiratory illnesses.
An additional 363 emergency service workers died of illnesses, according to Monroe Fire Department President William “Bill” Davin, who said, as of early this year, over 500 9/11 responders have a severe respiratory disease and 2,600 are dealing with different types of cancer.
Though 9/11 conjures memories of tragic losses, those who spoke at the Monroe firehouse Wednesday also remembered how Americans came together.
Catalano shared a comment he read online: “The best way to honor those who died on 9/11, is to act like we all did on 9/12.”
“What was interesting about 9/12 that I remember is, you couldn’t find a U.S. flag on the shelves anywhere,” he said. “Patriotism was running very, very high and it really didn’t matter what color you were, what age you were or what your background was, you were Americans and we all were in this together … and unfortunately that sort of tempered over the years.”
The Rev. David York, the fire department chaplain and former chief of the Stevenson Volunteer Fire Department, gave the opening prayer.
York said everyone needs to remember the spirit of togetherness, concern and support in the aftermath of the tragedy 23 years ago. “That was where we were and that’s where we need to be,” he said.
EMS Chief Craig Rosenberg remembered driving on the highway near New York City and seeing an electric sign with a message asking any EMT volunteers to call to help. Then quickly realizing there were not many patients to treat.
He reflected on all of those who loved ones that day, as well as the heroics of the first responders.
“The first responders on 9/11 wore a lot of different uniforms, but they were united in purpose and their selfless acts to save others,” Rosenberg said. “There was no hesitation, even as they knew that entry into those towers meant they were not likely to come out.”
First Selectman Terry Rooney attended the ceremony with his wife Nadine. Rooney, who was a Bridgeport police officer during the attacks, thanked firefighters for all they do for the town. He said older residents have a responsibility to tell young people what occurred on 9/11.
“The lesson to be learned comes from the American spirit,” Rooney said. “We’ve just seen it in Monroe with the flood. When tragic things happen, we join together. We find ways to rise up from the ashes. This was a terrible tragedy that none of us will ever forget.”
Among the officials joining town firefighters and Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Service members for the ceremony were State Rep. Tony Scott, R-Monroe, and Board of Education members Jerry Stevens and Chrissy Fensore Martinez.
The Rev. Joseph Gill of St. Jude Parish and The Rev. Jennifer Gingras of Monroe Congregational Church were among the clergy attending the ceremony.
Gill said the hand of God ensures good comes out of tragedy. “We need to have unity in a nation that is profoundly divided,” he said. “We need to have charity in a world that’s so filled with hate. We need to have hope in God in a world that seems to have abandoned him.”
Gingras said her congregation gives thanks to first responders every Sunday.
In her prayer, she asked God to grant us the wisdom to remember the lessons from that tragic day, to be able to discern what truly matters and to let go of what doesn’t. She called on everyone to perform acts of kindness and love.
“Love always has the last word and we should never wait to say it,” Gingras said.
Some members of the Masuk Chorus members sang the National Anthem and firefighters performed the ceremonial ringing of the bell, which represents all the firefighters and other first responders who answered their final call for service on 9/11.
After the ceremony, the Monroe Fire Department’s Women’s Auxiliary provided coffee, drinks and other refreshments inside the bays.
“I ask all of you to never forget,” Davin said, “as we cannot expect others to remember unless we, the emergency services never forget.”
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