9/11 Ceremonies Moved Indoors At West Haven High

WEST HAVEN, CT — Because of expected rain, the city is combining both 9/11 ceremonies tonight (Sept. 11) and moving them indoors at West Haven High School.

West Haven will observe the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium, 1 Circle St.

The solemn service will begin with a presentation of the colors by the West Haven Police Honor Guard and a procession led by the West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard and the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums.

The ceremony will honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks, including West Haven resident Richard S. Gabrielle, 50, who was killed during the attack on the twin towers in New York’s World Trade Center complex. An insurance broker at Aon Corp., Gabrielle was last seen on the south tower’s 78th floor.

Remarks by dignitaries, including Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, will follow.

City Procurement Director Rick Spreyer will serve as the master of ceremonies, and West Haven High School junior Zoe Powell will sing the national anthem and “God Bless America.”

The ceremony will feature taps played by retired West Shore Fire Department Lt. Kevin McKeon and Celtic folk performances by Irish singer-songwriter Liz McNicholl, including “The Bravest,” a tribute to the heroes of 9/11.

The city is flying flags at half-staff in recognition of the national day of remembrance, also known as Patriot Day.