While thousands flocked to key sites in lower Manhattan, at the Pentagon, in Shanksville, Penn., and across the nation to events remembering the attacks of September 11, 2001, an intimate annual gathering before a striking stand of trees in Dodgingtown, painted to resemble an unfurled American flag, served as one of several remembrance ceremonies in Newtown on 9/11.

Hosted annually by resident Howard Lasher on his property in front of the memorial flag he commissioned - the trees were painted by renowned area artist David Merrill - the 15th anniversary ceremony was a moving tribute to all those who lost their lives that day as a result of the multiple acts of terrorism, including nine American Stock Exchange individuals who were former co-workers of Mr Lasher's, and several of the guests who took part in an hourlong speaking program.

At the same time, the event paid tribute to current and past members of the Armed Forces, as well as local police and emergency responders who were represented by Newtown Police Chief James Viadero and members of the Bethel and Dodgingtown fire companies.

One of the more affecting moments of the ceremony came when firefighters in turn placed red roses in front of the flag memorial representing each of Mr Lasher's friends and co-workers who were lost in the twin towers attack and collapse on 9/11.

As each firefighter took their turn placing a rose, they silently snapped to attention and saluted the flag.

Mr Lasher opened the event with remarks recalling that fateful day, and the experience of losing so many acquaintances in the disaster. He then went on to praise local responders, and the nation that gave him so many opportunities, reminding all in attendance that they live and enjoy the many freedoms of the greatest nation on earth.

Reverend Matthew Crebbin of Newtown Congregational Church made a brief invocation, before giving the microphone over to Newtown resident and Western Connecticut State University music student Amber Cardinal, who delivered a flawless and conservative rendition of the national anthem.

Dr Michael Driscoll followed, sharing his recollections and regrets over the many friends and acquaintances he lost on 9/11. He was followed by US Representative Elizabeth Esty, WCSU professor Christopher Kukk, and State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106), who also devoted most of his remarks paying tribute to emergency responders.

Student singers from Newtown High School under the direction of Jane Matson contributed beautiful versions of "God Bless America," "America the Beautiful," and the timeless John Lennon classic "Imagine," as the ceremony concluded and threatening rain that sprinkled earlier on began to fall heavily on those remaining.

Among the other speakers was Mr Merrill, who recalled being contacted by Mr Lasher shortly after the terrorist attacks to develop a memorial to his lost colleagues. Both he and Mr Lasher clearly recall the day in they walked the property looking for a perfect place to locate some sort of patriotic memorial - before coming to the far reaches of the parcel where Mr Merrill envisioned the waving flag as a multidimensional installation on a grove of trees adjacent to Route 302.

Newtown Legislative Council Vice Chairman Paul Lundquist, who is also a friend of Mr Lasher and his wife, Jeannette, keyed in on a lesser-known aspect of the rescue efforts on 9/11 by the largest single flotilla of watercraft that converged upon lower Manhattan to help evacuate more than a half-million people stranded or trapped there in the hours following the attacks.

Before members of VFW Post 308 provided a rifle salute, and retired Navy sailor Mark Pearce performed "Taps" on a single bugle, Chief Viadero offered a touching remembrance of 29-year-old Dana Hannon, a friend and former Bridgeport firefighter who went on to serve at a responding company from New Jersey, and who was among the hundreds of responders who were lost that day.

Rabbi Eric Polokoff of B'nai Israel in Southbury closed the speaking program with a touching benediction.

Several hours later, Chief Viadero appeared at a second 9/11 tribute, which was a highlight of the REACH benefit car show that was happening at Fairfield Hills. That event also included current and retired members of the military, as well as emergency responders from Newtown Hook & Ladder and remarks from Selectman Herb Rosenthal.