Manchester On 9/11: Memorial Ceremonies Are Now 25 Years And Counting

MANCHESTER, CT — As the sun rose above Fire Station No. 5 and the Manchester Firefighters Memorial Garden Friday morning, officials were making preparations for what is now a 25-year tradition.

A Sept. 11 memorial ceremony.

Manchester has not missed one 9/11 ceremony in the quarter-century since the terrorist attacks and a steel beam from the World Trade Center's North Tower is featured prominently in the memorial garden amid two call boxes and commemorative markers to all who perished that day.

"Twenty-five years after 9/11, we stop like we do every year to remember those whose lives were lost that day in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania as well as those who lost their lives months and years after this horrific day from exposure from the dust from the World Trade Center site," Manchester Mayor Jay Moran said. "We thank all those brave firefighters, first responders, police and others who responded to assist that day, some, too, who lost their lives. And our hearts go out this year and every year to the family and friends of those who lost their lives. We realize they relive this awful day annually and we stand with them to honor their family member, their friend."

He continued, "Today we also thank those first responders, firefighters and police who continue to risk their lives for our protection. Twenty-five years later, on this day, let's honor all those lost by being a little kinder to people, maybe hug a love one and prove that good will always triumph over evil."