Connecticut holds annual service for 9/11 victims

WESTPORT, Conn. (AP) - It's time to remember those who were lost to terror nine years ago this month.

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell was among those attending the state's annual memorial service for victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The remembrance ceremony started at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, the site of Connecticut's official 9/11 Living Memorial.

The names of 152 people with ties to Connecticut who died in the attacks are engraved on granite tiles at the memorial site, which is along Long Island Sound and includes a view of the Manhattan skyline.

New Britain's Scott O'Brien was in the North Tower and made a final phone call to his wife before it fell.

“I carry a little piece of the beach here in my pocket. I'm never without it, you see. That's to remind me of Scott," his mother said

It was said Tuesday the greater the tragedy, the more good that is followed in its wake. And if you give these families just a second, a smile will appear as strong and as sure as the rising tide.

Many towns in the state are holding their own ceremonies later in the week.

In her remarks, Governor Rell, who is making her last appearance as governor at the 9/11 memorial service, says that Connecticut has an amazing group of families that in the wake of this tragedy, made such a large impact on so many people.