In Muted Ceremony, Darien Marks 9/11 Anniversary

First responders, elected officials, and local residents congregated at Middlesex Middle School Saturday morning to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, now nine years past.

Led by Phil Kraft, chairman of the Monuments & Ceremonies Commission and commander of VFW Darien Post #6933, a small crowd marked the occasion in a field behind the school, joining in the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence.

Gatherers also laid down roses and flags as they filed past a simple stone memorial, its inscription—"MAY WE NEVER FORGET"—still visible at the end of the procession.

Kraft recalled the town's response during the state of emergency that followed the attacks, praising the first responders who mobilized and residents who collected batteries to power the lights used by rescue workers at the World Trade Center site.

"We didn't sit idly by, because we were affected," Kraft said.

"There's nothing worse than feeling totally helpless, but Darien stood up," he added.

Darien residents Christopher Gardner, Stephen LaMantia, Garry Lozier, William Meehan, Edward Maloney, and John Works died in the attacks, as well as Stacey Sanders, formerly of Darien.

Members of Post 53 and Darien's fire and police departments were on hand for the subdued ceremony, as well as all five members of Darien's Board of Selectmen, who collectively placed a wreath above the memorial.

Darien's General Assembly delegation—Representative Terrie Wood, Senator Bob Duff, and Senator Andrew McDonald—were also on hand, along with former Stamford mayor and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Malloy.

Kraft closed the ceremony with a traditional Irish blessing.

"May the road rise to meet you; may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; may the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand," Kraft intoned.