Bell Tolls In Manchester To Remember 9/11 Victims, 19 Years later

MANCHESTER, CT — At exactly 8:46 a.m., as the bell was about to toll to honor those who gave the last full measure of devotion 19 years ago in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, a darkish cloud floated over the sun at the Manchester Firefighters Memorial Garden.

A gust of wind sent the flag — already at half-staff — fluttering oh so briefly. Those standing around the memorial surmised it was a heavenly sign that the reflection on what happened in 2001 should commence.

Manchester's 9/11 bell tolling Friday. (Chris Dehnel/Patch)

A traditional ceremony was not scheduled for 2020 because of coronavirus concerns.

Reflection was the idea behind the garden's creation a year after the attacks, officials have said. The centerpiece is a 4,800-pound steel column from the exterior wall on ground floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower.

Manchester's 9/11 Memorial. (Chris Dehnel/Patch)

Lost firefighters from other incidents over the years are also honored at the garden. See more about the Manchester Firefighters Memorial Garden here.