On Thursday evening, the community gathered at Griswold Elementary School’s 9/11 Memorial to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. No matter how many years pass, that day—and the days that followed—will always remain etched in our hearts as one of the most challenging times for many of us as Americans.

I shared a simple reminder for those in attendance: before any differences, we are Americans and human beings first. In the spirit of this anniversary, I encourage all of us to make a point this year to sit down with someone we don’t necessarily agree with, and listen with respect.

We were humbled by our keynote speaker, Deputy Chief Mark Waters of New London, who delivered a somber and powerful account of his experiences at Ground Zero in the hours and days after 9/11 as a young firefighter.

We are also grateful to Griswold’s 2019 seventh-grade class for creating a beautiful, enduring 9/11 memorial—ensuring that future generations will never forget.

Thank you to Griswold Public Schools and the Jewett City Fire Department for hosting this event and bringing us together in unity. May God bless the heroes of that day and all our first responders who put everything on the line, day in and day out.

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