Connecticut's 9-11 Living Memorial
Purpose:
Connecticut's 9-11 Living Memorial stands as a tribute to the individuals who lost their lives on September 11. Individuals who had lives filled with goals, hopes, and plans for the future. Connecticut's Memorial reflects these endeavors through a creatively designed landscape on the beautiful shores of Long Island
Sound. The design incorporates the endurance of granite, the sheltering beauty of trees, and the tranquility of the sea. It offers visitors peace and strength to draw upon in their healing. The Memorial’s 9 foot polished granite stone monument reads, “The citizens of Connecticut dedicate this living memorial to the thousands of innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001 and to the families who loved them.”
Reason site was selected:
The Memorial will be located at Sherwood Island State Park. From “the point” visitors to Sherwood Island State Park have a panoramic view of lower Manhattan where the World Trade Center once stood. From this “point” Park staff and visitors watched the plumes of smoke rising from the towers. Sherwood Island State Park is open to the public year-round. In the aftermath of 9/11, the Park served as the staging area for Connecticut’s resources being directed to support the New York disaster recovery effort. From “the point” visitors to Sherwood Island State Park have a panoramic view of lower Manhattan where the World Trade Center once stood. From this “point” Park staff and visitors watched the plumes of smoke rising from the towers.
Sherwood Island State Park is open to the public year-round. In the aftermath of 9/11, the Park served as the staging area for Connecticut’s resources being directed to support the New York disaster recovery effort.
Victims’ families requested a memorial where they could experience the healing effects of water. Finally, the Park is conveniently located in lower Fairfield County where most of the victims’ families reside. Victims’ families requested a memorial where they could experience the healing effects of water. Finally, the Park is conveniently located in lower Fairfield County where most of the victims’ families reside.
Events planned for site:
Governor Rowland dedicated the Memorial at a solemn one-year anniversary observance in honor of the victims of September 11. Connecticut law now calls for a “Day of Remembrance” on September 11. Annual memorial events are planned at the site. Tax deductible contributions in the form of a personal check in any amount may be made payable to “CT’s 9-11 Living Memorial Fund” at the Connecticut Forest and Park Association 16 Meriden Rd. Rockfall, CT 06481
Do you believe your memorial is a sacred place?:
According to Jim Sorensen and DeAnna Paugas of CT Helps, "Here beside the sea, visitors are close to the things that are eternal, the things of spirit, the unseen things. Even in this beautiful place it’s hard for many to visit. And yet, they come as individuals and as a community to seek and offer comfort and too remember those who have been loved and lost. The simple, graceful design of the site offers visitors a meeting place of beauty and solace, a place to remember and feel closer to the dead."
Sponsored by: Connecticut Helps - Office of Family Support; Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection; USDA Forest Service
Site maintained by: Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Project website contact: www.cthelps.state.ct.us, www.ctwoodlands.org
Project email contact: cthelps@po.state.ct.us
Address: Sherwood Island State Park
City, State, ZIP: Westport , Connecticut 06880
County: Fairfield
Dedication: Sep. 5, 2002
Status: Dedicated/Existing and permanent
Artwork: No
Public access: yes
Public events: yes
Sq. Foot: 14,400 sq ft
Acreage: Park located on 234 acres with 1 1/2 miles of beach front.
Number & Species of Trees: 21-100: Common Hackberry, Red Cedar, Austrian Pine and Rugosa rose
This project is best described as a: Park
This project is unique because of the: Site Use
Project Sponsors and Participants
Is the community involved?: yes
Project was initiated by: Government Agency
Land is owned by: State
Type of participants: Staff and Volunteers
Number of people involved: 20 - 50
Percent of those involved who are volunteers: 50% to 75%
Are people expected to stay involved?: No
For more information contact : www.cthelps.state.ct.us, www.ctwoodlands.org, cthelps@po.state.ct.us
