The 15th Anniversary was a milestone, especially for those of us who were impacted on September 11, 2001. As we gathered in New York City, at the Pentagon in Shanksville, PA, or in our local communities, we remembered the 2,977 innocent citizens who lost their lives that day. As in years past, the anniversary was a time to commemorate, reflect on our personal journey and recognize the resilience of our 9/11 community. On this solemn occasion, it was comforting to be surrounded by so many who have become extended family to us! September 11, 2001 was a day that changed so many lives.
Twenty-four hours after the World Trade Center collapsed, then-Greenwich firefighter Guy Fortt came upon a police officer curled up in a ball on the ground at the scene. "I saw that he was dead. But it was good to see a whole person. Everything I was seeing that day -- even chairs and desks -- was shredded," Fortt recalled. Fortt, who was part of the the 9/11 Search & Rescue Team, was one of the speakers Monday at a program called "Remembrance, Renewal and Resilience" at Grace Farm Sanctuary in New Canaan.
FlagandBanner.com will mark the upcoming 15th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks by offering flags to support the Voices of September 11th (VOICES). This 501c3 nonprofit organization was founded by Mary Fetchet, who lost her 24 year old son Brad on 9/11. The Fetchet family turned their loss into a living legacy for those who perished on 9/11. The VOICES project has provided more than 120,000 hours of social services support and built trusting relationships with those impacted by 9/11. Mary's husband Frank continues as a full time volunteer leading Development at VOICES.
The feeling of helplessness resident Scott Bates experienced as the horrific events of September 11, 2011, unfolded have shaped his career and inspired him to make a tangible difference both in this country and overseas. Most recently, he joined the Voices of September 11th Board of Directors and will be working with families affected by 9/11 to provide a full array of services and support, commemorate the lives lost and promote national preparedness.-
My name is Mary Fetchet, and I am here with my husband Frank. I want to thank Senator Blumenthal for inviting us today to talk about a topic that is near and dear to our hearts. On 9/11, our 24 year old son Brad died when a commercial airline commandeered by terrorists was flown into the south tower of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. Brad was one of the 2,977 innocent citizens that were senselessly killed that day. In response to our loss, I founded Voices of September 11th, using my professional skills as a social worker to create an organization that provides long-term support services for families, responders and survivors, and to assist communities impacted by other traumatic events, many of whom are still suffering the consequences of a traumatic loss.