September 11th Remembrance Event

On Friday September 11th, 2026, our community gathered on Wethersfield’s Broad Street Green to pause, reflect, and honor the lives forever changed by September 11, 2001. We remembered Richard M. Keane, David Winton, Jeffrey Bittner, and Fred Kuo Jr., along with the thousands of others who lost their lives that day.

Bagpipes, fife and drums, beautiful voices, poetry, and powerful personal stories filled the evening. We heard from family members who carry these memories with them every day, and from those who witnessed firsthand how September 11 changed our community.

The voices of the Wethersfield High School Choraliers cut through the darkness with “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Amazing Grace.” One of the most moving moments came from our youngest voices. Eighteen Keane Kids Musical students stood together and performed a patriotic medley in honor of those we gathered to remember.

We were also incredibly proud of Hanmer fifth-grade student, Zainab Fatima Husain, winner of the Keane Foundation and Wethersfield Library’s 9/11 essay contest. Her essay, “Look for the Helpers,” reminded us that even in our darkest moments, people always step forward to help.

And then, just after sunset, our community stood together in a moment of silence. No words. Just hundreds of people remembering together.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this evening possible: our emcees, Scot Haney and Ken Lesser; every speaker, performer, volunteer, and first responder; everyone throughout the Town of Wethersfield who helped bring this evening together; and, most importantly, everyone who came together to remember.

For our kids. For our community. For all those we will never forget.

Remembrances

As part of our 9/11 remembrance event, we invited members of our community to share their memories and reflections. Here are a few of our favorites.

Just remember being at work and hearing a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Never realizing the enormity of what was about to happen that changed the world.

May the good people of our nation be strong and faithful to the values our country was founded upon.
May we never forget all who perished on 9/11 and know that their lives served an unforgettable purpose on earth.
We will never ever forget them.

We will always remember, honor, and respect.

Sending love and prayers to your family.

To my uncle Dave, who was and forever will be a beloved son, brother, fiancé, and uncle. We miss you but you are never absent from our hearts.

Twenty five years is a long time but at the same time feels like yesterday to many of us who saw this tragedy play out in real time, on TV or through news outlets. Every year on 9/11 we reflect on this sad event, which started as the most beautiful late summer blue sky day and was also my dad’s 70th birthday. We remember exactly where we were when we heard the awful news as it unfolded throughout the day. That was only the 2nd time I ever saw my dad cry. When he found out that Dick was among the casualties it devastated him. They were both proud Marines who had this great camaraderie and friendship. We’ve since lost my dad and every year on 9/11 I remember both Dick and my dad, as well as all who died that day and the families who still grieve their loss. Judy, thank you for all that you’ve done and continue to do in memory of Dick and for the Keane Foundation. My grandchildren benefit greatly from the after school programs at Highcrest and Webb.. both clubs and theater productions. Thank you for pouring you heart, soul and love into caring for the children of Wethersfield. And tonight’s remembrance on the Green was absolutely beautiful. May God Bless you and your family!