PHOTOS: September 11 Memorial Dedication & Ribbon Cutting in Cos Cob Park

A tremendous turnout estimated at over 500 attended the Dedication and Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the September 11 memorial in Cos Cob Park on Friday morning.

Those in attendance included organizers of the memorial, which was years in the making, local officials, religious leaders, and family members of the 32 men and women with ties to Greenwich who perished on Sept. 11, 2001.

Despite the heavy day of rain on September 10, and the fact that the groundbreaking was as recent as May, countless volunteers including local businesses worked overtime to have the memorial ready in time for Friday’s dedication.

Sally Maloney cuts the ribbon

Sally Maloney cuts the ribbon just prior to the dedication of the September 11 memorial in Cos Cob Park on Sept. 11, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

September 11 memorial dedication and ribbon cutting in Cos Cob Park, Sept. 11, 2015

Rabbi Mitch, Rev. Drew Williams and Father Marcotte delivered the invocation at the dedication of the September 11 memorial in Cos Cob Park, Sept. 11, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

dedication of Sept 11 memorial in Cos Cob Park

After a day of heavy rain the sun was shining during Friday morning’s dedication of the September 11 memorial in Cos Cob Park, Sept. 11, 2015

arriving at dedication ceremony

The circular entry to the September 11 memorial is handicapped accessible and situated in a spot that affords spectacular views of Long Island Sound. Credit: Leslie Yager

The welcome was delivered by James Ritman who took care to thank dozens of local businesses, donors, and individuals whose collective effort made Friday’s dedication possible.

Mr. Ritman, President of the Board of the September 11 Memorial Greenwich, who described the effort as “grassroots” and the memorial as “a gift from the Town to the Town,” said that over 1,000 donations had been received from individuals, companies and schools in Town, including fundraisers as small as collecting dollar bills on Greenwich Ave.

Sept. 11, 2015

James Ritman welcomed a crowd of about 500 to the dedication of the September 11 memorial at Cos Cob Park on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015

“This beautiful monument, with its use of transparent architectural design and symbolism will forever shed light on what was a dark day in our Country’s history,” said First Selectman Peter Tesei, who noted that architects considered and evaluated several locations in Greenwich prior to arriving at Cos Cob Park, which he described as a spectacular site.

“As we enjoy the breathtaking vista of Long Island Sound and embrace nature’s varied elements we can take comfort and pride knowing the Town’s loved one’s lost on 9/11 are being remembered at such a prized location,” Tesei said.

September 11 memorial dedication and ribbon cutting in Cos Cob Park, Sept. 11, 2015

Hundreds turned out on Friday morning for the dedication of the September 11 Memorial in Cos Cob Park, Sept. 11, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

Invocation

Rabbi Mitch, Rev. Drew Williams and Father Marcotte delivered the invocation at the dedication of the September 11 memorial in Cos Cob Park, Sept. 11, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

Hundreds turned out on Friday morning for the dedication of the September 11 Memorial in Cos Cob Park, Sept. 11, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

Hundreds turned out on Friday morning for the dedication of the September 11 Memorial in Cos Cob Park, Sept. 11, 2015 Credit: Leslie Yager

Peter Tesei

First Selectman Peter Tesei arrived for the dedication of the September 11 Memorial in Cos Cob Park. Credit: Leslie Yager

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US Senator Richard Blumenthal delivered remarks at the dedication of the September 11 Memorial in Cos Cob Park on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

James Ritman

James Ritman welcomed hundreds to the dedication of the September 11 Memorial at Cos Cob Park on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager

Sept 11 Memorial in Cos Cob Park

View of the September 11 Memorial in Cos Cob Park during a recent sunset. Credit: Leslie Yager

See also:

September 11 Memorial in Cos Cob Park to be Dedicated Friday at 9:00am


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