Let Us Never Forget

To the Editor:

Ten years ago Americans across the country repeated the words “Never Forget” after the horrific events of September 11. Indeed, we promised never to forget the lives lost that day…the passengers on the planes, the workers in the buildings hit, and the responders who tried to rescue them

Sunday morning, as I sat through the remembrance ceremony at the Sandy Hook Firehouse, those words repeated through my head. “Never Forget.” As emergency personnel from across town gathered with elected officials and members of the community to remember that day, I couldn’t help but think about how incredibly lucky we are to live in a town with so many hardworking and dedicated individuals. If it’s possible to find something positive as a result of that terrible day for our nation, perhaps it is the strength we found in each other, the support we were able to provide, and the unity that blanketed our nation. Those events didn’t break us; they made us stronger.

Too many of our emergency personnel work for our community without ever hearing a word of thanks for what they do. As we sat at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, I have never been more grateful for the incredible men and women who keep all of us in Newtown safe. To all of the firefighters, police officers, EMS workers and others, thank you for all you do for the people of Newtown. You are there no matter what to help Newtown residents in their most desperate moments, and we are certainly lucky and grateful for your service.

A huge thank you goes out to Commissioner Kevin Cragin, EMS Captain Karin Halstead, and all those who helped you, for organizing an incredible ceremony to remember 9/11 and honor all those who were lost. From the flag hanging over the road to the notable speakers to ringing the bell, every detail was memorable and touching.

As we move forward from this tenth anniversary, let us never forget those who were lost that day, or those who have given their lives to fight for our freedom since then. Let us also never forget the incredible men and women in our community who put their lives on the line every day for our safety. Thank you, for such a touching ceremony on this day, and for your service every day.

Sincerely,

Sarah Hemingway

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook                           September 14, 2011