CT Helps. Volume 2, Number 4

              OFFICE OF FAMILY
SUPPORT-Serving Connecticut
families who lost loved ones in
the September 11th terrorists’
attacks.
VOLUME II
NUMBER 4
October 2003
Direct correspondence to: CT
Helps Office of Family Support
450 Capitol Ave. MS#52CPD
Hartford, CT 06106-1308
860-418-6262
Email: cthelps@po.state.ct.us
Visit our website at:
www.cthelps.state.ct.us
Governor Dedicates Final
Phase of CT Living
Memorial
In a simple, but moving
outdoor service along the
shores of Long Island
Sound more than 300
people came to remember
and honor Connecticut’s
9/11 victims. Governor
Rowland led the
September 4th, memorial
service at Sherwood Island
State Park in Westport, CT
marking the second
anniversary of the
terrorists’ attack.
Many of those in
attendance gazed silently
at the Connecticut
Remembers Memorial
Board where photographs
of the victims and letters
from family members were
posted.
In dedicating the stone
blocks bearing
Connecticut’s 150 victims,
Governor Rowland told the
audience of family and
friends, “We honor you
best by remembering all
this-to not only recognize
what you have done and
endured, but also what
you have inspired. This is
a just and powerful tribute
to you.”
Local girl scouts tolled a
five-ton bell from the Bells
of Remembrance Project
once for each of the 150
victims honored. The
haunting yet beautiful
sound resonated
throughout the cloud
covered Park.
The bell ringing is a
program of the
Remembrance Project
initiated by Brother David
Schlatter, O.F.M., director
of the Franciscan Center
in Wilmington, Delaware.
Each victim’s name was
read aloud and family
members were given white
roses to lay at the
polished, granite block
bearing their loved ones
name.
Friends and family
members were led by
Governor Rowland and Lt.
Governor Rell to view for
the first time the
inscription of victims’
names at the memorial
site.
“9-11 was about people-people
called to eternity
and people left behind to
cope with their loss,”
Governor Rowland said.
“Unfortunately, we
cannot change what
happened, but we can
change today, change
tomorrow and make
them better.”
Shavaun Towers, of the
prominent New Haven
landscape architecture
firm developed the
overall design for
Connecticut’s September
11th Living Memorial.
The State Department of
Environmental
Protection, which
manages Sherwood
Island Connecticut’s first
State Park, has plans of
installing interpretive
signs at the Memorial.
Those wishing to support
the preservation of the
Memorial may contact
Louis Pietig, president of
the Friends of Sherwood
Island at 203-454-2603.
VICTIM COMPENSATION
FUND DEADLINE NEARS
The final postmark date to
file for a Federal September
11th Victim Compensation
Claim is December 22, 2003.
Call 1-888-714-3385 for
information or an application.
Denise Scott, a 9/11 family
member from Stamford, read
a brief but poignant poem.
Four granite benches grace
the shoreline memorial with
its direct view of the
Manhattan skyline. The
benches donated by Catholic
Charities of Fairfield County
offer visitors to the Memorial
comfort as they pause to
remember and feel closer to
the dead.
FCA NAMED RED CROSS
REPRESENTATIVE
The Family and Children's
Agency, Inc. (FCA) was
recently appointed
Connecticut's representative
for the American Red Cross's
September 11th Recovery
Program. The Norwalk based
agency has been providing
services to 9/11 families for two
years. Those wishing more
information may contact
Andrew Steglitz at 203-855-
8765 or email at
ASteglitz@fcagency.org
MOVING? Please let our
Office know if your mailing
address changes. This is
important to us, as we want
to continue to keep you
informed. Thank you.
MESSAGES FROM THE MEMORIAL BOARD
“I was immediately drawn to the memorial board. It is important for us all
to remember those who were lost, as well as their loved ones. We also
lost a family member on 9-11-01 and I understand how difficult this is. You
all remain in my prayers.”
“ I am at such a loss for words. My heart breaks for the families and for our
country.” JAV
“The memorial brought tears to my eyes. I shall pray once again for the
victims and their families. Thank you for the tribute.”
“We forget the suddenness that usually accompanies death. Live today for
tomorrow isn’t promised.”
“The pain that fills my eyes when I see how young they all were and how
they are loved. I hug my children for them.” J.R.
“The feeling of loss is far greater then words. My love, prayers, and
thoughts will always be with you.” M.F.
“Lord, please bless and draw close those who are left behind for without
you no comfort will be felt. Be merciful. Holy spirit put your arms around
and hold them close. Blessed mother intercede on their behalf. You
alone know the pain of loosing a child. These parents need you.”
“My heart cries for all of you. I wish I could reach out and comfort you all.
Please know that your pain, this senseless tragedy has touched so many
people and we are changed forever. With you in spirit.” April
“May God’s healing powers be upon those who lost their loved ones on
9/11. We will never forget. The only way to stop evil is for courageous
and just people to confront it. God bless freedom.”