On Monday Sept. 9, 2002 the U.S. Postal Service hosted a ceremony at the Quick Center to commemorate the release of a new stamp paying tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 tragedy.
The theme of the night was one of reflection, gratitude and love. Honorees included firefighters from the FDNY, Dennis Brown of AmeriCare and Dianne Auger of the American Red Cross.
In addition, men and women from Connecticut who assisted in the search, rescue and recovery efforts in New York and Washington were recognized, including family members of World Trade Center victims, flight attendants and members of the Connecticut and New York Police and Fire Departments.
Grammy award-winning artist Roberta Flack praised the stamp, saying that funds raised through its purchase will help people in need. Although she was not asked to sing, she said she was proud to be there as an American.
Another proud American present was Gary Suson, the official Ground Zero photographer for the Uniformed Firefighters Association. He presented a moving presentation of images set to music from his eight-month work at the site, named “Tribute to Heroes.”
“I don’t have a gun, I can’t be dropped in Afghanistan, but I fought back with love,” said Suson.
John F. Walsh, a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, participated in the ceremony with a dedication of the Heroes of 2001 Semi postal First-Class Stamp.
The funds raised through the sale of the stamp will provide assistance to families of emergency relief personnel killed or permanently disabled as a result of Sept. 11, 2001.
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