The September 11 Memorial in Cos Cob Park is a profound representation of our community’s shared values—resilience, remembrance, and collective effort. The sleek twin glass towers that rise above the harbor are beautiful in their simplicity, but the true story lies not just in their design but in the determination of the people who worked tirelessly to make this memorial a reality. It stands today as a testament to their vision and dedication, a lasting tribute to the 32 Greenwich residents who perished in the attacks.
The creation of this memorial was far from straightforward. For years, the project faced significant challenges. Finding the right location was difficult, and raising the $750,000 necessary for its completion felt like a nearly impossible goal. At several points, it seemed like the dream of a proper memorial might not come to fruition. But a committed group of individuals— local leaders, families of victims, and volunteers— refused to give up. Their relentless dedication and passion pushed the project forward, transforming what once seemed like an unattainable vision into a deeply meaningful space for reflection and remembrance.
The memorial’s design, crafted by Charles Hilton, captures the delicate balance between fragility and strength. Hilton’s twin glass towers were inspired by the Towers of Light that illuminated the New York City sky in the years following the attacks. These ethereal beams symbolized both the presence and the absence of the World Trade Center. Hilton sought to capture that same haunting quality in his design—structures that seem at once permanent yet transient, a reminder of the impermanence of life and the enduring strength of memory.
But the design is just one part of the story. The memorial’s existence is a ref lection of the many community members who came together to raise funds, fight through bureaucratic hurdles, and persist in the face of adversity. Those people who began with the idea and those who played a critical role in reinvigorating the project when it stalled, galvanized others to join in; building consensus, rallying donors and inspiring the community to invest in this sacred space.
The result is a space that is not just a place of mourning but a living memorial—a place where people can come to reflect, to connect, and to remember. The twin towers, inscribed with the names of the 32 victims from Greenwich, are surrounded by carefully designed landscaping that enhances the serenity of the site. Over time, the meadow grass and trees have matured, further transforming the memorial into a peaceful sanctuary for generations to come.
Each year, the community gathers at the memorial for a remembrance ceremony on September 11. This year’s event, like those before it, will begin at 8:46 AM, marking the exact moment the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Over 200 people are expected to attend, including families, first responders, and town officials. First Selectman Fred Camillo will open the ceremony with remarks, followed by former First Selectman Peter Tesei, who has long been a supporter of the memorial. Local musicians will perform, and the names of the 32 victims will be read aloud, a powerful tradition that keeps their memory alive in the hearts of all those present.
The dedication of the Greenwich community to this memorial is a reflection of our collective commitment to never forget. It is a place that not only honors those who perished but also serves as a reminder of the strength and unity that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks. As Rabbi Yossi Deren from Chabad of Greenwich will offer in his invocation at this year’s ceremony, it is through remembrance that we find both solace and purpose.
The September 11 Memorial is a gift to the town, entirely privately funded by donations from local families, businesses, and nonprofits. The fact that this project was funded through the generosity of the community underscores the deep connection Greenwich has to this tragedy. “Freedom. Liberty. Forever. Love. Courage.” These values are at the heart of what the memorial represents and what the town aspires to uphold.
As we gather this year to honor the lives lost on September 11, it is important to recognize the tremendous effort that went into creating this space. We are incredibly fortunate to have this memorial, and we owe a debt of gratitude to those who brought it to life. Their vision and persistence have given Greenwich a place where future generations can come to learn, reflect, and understand the true impact of that day. This memorial ensures that we will never forget—not just the lives lost, but the values that continue to bind us together as a community.
