Visibly moved, Howard Lasher choked back tears Thursday morning, September 11, as he read the names of friends and colleagues killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001. It was halfway through the ceremony hosted by Mr Lasher, a retired Wall Street executive and trader, and his wife, Jeanette Hubner, at their Route 302 property in Newtown, to honor the memories of all lost that day.

Behind him, the six maple trees painted to resemble a waving American flag shed a few early autumn leaves, echoing the tears on the faces of many assembled at the ceremony, which has become an annual program since 2002.

Bethel Fire Department sends representatives every year to this ceremony, said Bethel Fire Department Captain Bruey.

“It’s tough,” he admitted. “We lost a lot of colleagues and friends that day.”

The solemn ceremony began at 8:15, with Mr Lasher offering words of thanks and welcome to the approximately 100 people gathered.

“For everyone here, the diabolical acts against our nation that day changed our world forever,” he reminded the group. “We gather to remember those lives and honor them,” said Mr Lasher, and closed his remarks saying, “Our great country shall continue to flourish and not be stopped.”

“I am so proud to see Howard [Lasher] representing our flag on these trees, on something that is alive,” said Rabbi Shaul Praver of Congregation Adath Israel as he began the invocation, indicating the painted maple trees. “We are not destined to fall … we are destined to grow, just as these trees grow,” said Rabbi Praver, later adding that it is through extending hands to one another in friendship, love and compassion “is how we will stand and grow… Bless us, so we might be strong, like this tree.”

Newtown Selectman Will Rodgers spoke, and noted that all events on the scale of 9/11 are personal, changing lives profoundly. He addressed Newtown’s own tragedy, 12/14, saying that both “are each a horrible act,” requiring complex solutions. The difference between the two events, Mr Rodgers said, is that one was a source from without, one a source from within [our town and country]. It is always important, he stressed, to remember ways to humanize “these dehumanizing events.”

For artist David Merrill, who at the behest of Mr Lasher painted the maple trees on the Dodgingtown Road property shortly after the events of 9/11, “this is hallowed ground,” he said. “I will always be extremely grateful Howard picked me to do [this work] here.”

There have been many great countries over the centuries, but in the end, they all failed, said Peter D’Amico, founder of NYA Sports & Fitness Center. But what makes America different and what makes it great, is that it is a country of people with a “can do” attitude, and a population made up of compassionate people, he said. Strong leaders will keep America great, but it is up to Americans to get involved and affect change, Mr D’Amico said. “Today, we honor those who have given their lives to keep America strong,” he said.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Dr Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, superintendent of Newtown schools. Do not fear for the future, he assured those in attendance. He has great confidence in the qualities of the young people who will one day run our country.

He conveyed a story of a resort worker he encountered on vacation, one who worked long hours. When he asked him how he managed to do such extraordinary work, every day, with a smile on his face, he was told, “I love my country. I love my family. I love my God, and I smile everywhere I go.” The real goal, said Dr Erardi, is to be productive citizens. “That is why our country is standing strong,” he said. Having never had the opportunity to serve, Dr Erardi said that this day was a chance to give a personal thank you to all who do.

“Take a step back and think about the stories that impacted us that terrible day,” Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton requested. Remember, too, the stories of people who did not make it out that morning [from terrorist attacks], and the stories of veterans “who make the sacrifice that allows us to be here.”

Thirteen years after the events of September 11, 2001, “We are engaged in a battle we cannot weary from,” Mayor Boughton said. Every member of the military has paid “The last full measure of devotion,” he said, quoting from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. For every person who has perished in terrorist attacks or in service to our country, two lives have been lost, he said — the life lost that moment, “and the lives they would have lived.”

In all the moments of time, in all the seasons, in our joys and sadnesses, the words of “We Remember” from Gate of Prayer by Rabbis Sylvan Kaumen and Jack Rymer, as read by local author Sydney Eddison, reminded all present “So long as we live, they too shall live, For they are now a part of us, As we remember them.”

The National Anthem and other musical selections were offered by the Newtown High School Choir, under the direction of Jane Matson.

In closing remarks, Dr Christopher Kukk, professor of political science and director of the WestConn Honors Program, called for a blending of compassion and patriotism, the sum of which, he said, is stronger than each alone.

“Aren’t we all,” Dr Kukk asked, “citizens of the world? Let us not weaken our patriotism… Look outward… Honor those who died by not limiting who can be part of the common good.”

The Benediction was given by Reverend  Matt Crebbin, Newtown Congregational Church, who offered words of hope and healing, and beseeched God to “surround any and all who mourn this day.”