Stratford Remembers the Victims, Heroes of Sept. 11

Eleven years after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Stratford made something clear at last night's annual memorial and candlelight vigil: We will always remember.

"Has the town of Stratford forgotten? No. Not now, not ever," VFW senior vice commander Bob Johnson said to local police and fire color guards, EMS personnel, boy scouts, veterans and residents gathered at .

"It's hard to believe it's been 11 years," Johnson said. "We stop tonight to remember both the victims and the heroes of that day."

Mayor John A. Harkins proposed a way to honor those who perished eleven years ago, while comparing this year's anniversary to .

"Last year we reached a milestone," said Harkins, adding that healing was finally able to be realized by some who suffered for so long. The mayor then asked residents to honor the memory of the victims by "continuing to seek the American dream."

VFW district commander Dick Kennedy used the anniversary as a reminder to thank local police, fire and EMS personnel for "what they do every day here."

Johnson advocated making Sept. 11 a national holiday. He said four years ago he proposed the idea and a petition with more than 5000 signatures supporting it was sent to State Sen. Len Fasano, who then wrote up a bill.

Designated as Patriot Day, Sept. 11 does not have the distinguished status of a national holiday. But should it? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.