Guilford residents, officials, and first responders gathered on the Guilford Green on Sept. 11 to remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and honor the victims. Fifteen years later, the day when hijacked airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania, claiming nearly 3,000 lives, is regarded as one of the darkest days in American history.

Speeches from local officials, first responders, and religious leaders, as well as the singing of the National Anthem, a military gun salute, and a moment of silence marked the ceremony. Guilford resident Kyle Eagleson, who lost his father, Bruce, in the South Tower, lit the memorial candle. First Selectman Joe Mazza thanked the large crowed of residents for attending the ceremony and offered his own reflections.

“We gather here today not to recount the destruction, but to remember those who lost their lives,” he said. “We gather here to commemorate the courage of ordinary citizens who became heroes and the courage of our first responders who sacrificed their lives to save others.”

Guilford firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians attended the event. Captain Michael Shove, representing the Guilford Fire Department, spoke about the firefighters who responded on Sept. 11.

“Firefighters started their shift at zero-800 a.m. as they usually do, and at 8:46 a.m., terrorists attacked the World Trade Center with two commercial planes carrying 20,000 gallons of jet fuel,” he said. “The firefighters on duty that day all jumped up, ran to the apparatus floors, and dressed out in turn out gear as they were trained to do. For 343 of them, this would be their last alarm.”

Shove spoke about the commitment, dedication, and heroism exemplified by the firefighters, which lead to the rescue of thousands from the towers.

“To never forget is to honor and respect 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to carry out the mission of every sworn firefighter—to save lives and protect property,” he said.

Officer Mark O’Connor spoke on behalf of the Guilford Police Department, saying that the commitment to protect and serve was exemplified by the police officers who lost their lives on Sept. 11, an event that resulted in more line-of-duty deaths than any other event in American history.

“No one understands policing like other police officers, but we are part of a large family,” he said. “The death of another officer is difficult for us, let alone dozens, as they are our family. Each death stays with us.”

In reflection, Mazza spoke about the long-term impact of Sept. 11 on Americans.

“If the intent of our attackers 15 years ago was to destroy our love of freedom, they failed,” he said. “If their motive was to question our commitment to live in a just society, they failed. If the intent was to curtail our quest for a better world, they failed… And if their intent was to question our belief and our strength in God, they most certainly failed.”