9/11 Parade Brings Suffield Together

Suffield's 9/11 Remembrance Parade drew a crowd Saturday night. Attendees heard speeches from many perspectives remembering the traumatic events of 9/11 as well as patriotic music in a variety of styles.

A parade from Ffyler Place to the Suffield War Memorial featured police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians from Suffield and across the state, local officials, The Suffield High School Marching Band, Suffield boy, girl and cub scouts, the oldest functional ambulance in the U.S. and more.

Speeches from Suffield Police Captain Craig Huntley and First Selectman Tom Frenaye, along with a prayer from the Reverend Scott Seabury and closing remarks from military chaplain Maj. David Larson, shared sentiments of shock, loss, change, rebuilding mutual strength and pride in the country. The speakers honored the first responders and other heroes of 9/11 and gave solemn remembrance to the people lost in the tragedy.

Music featuring Suffield's Haley Bishop, Josh Karam and Dan Kehoe captivated the audience, as did an unannounced appearance from Javier Colon, a Stratford resident who won the first season of NBC's The Voice.

A flyover from Hartford Hospital's Life Star helicopter livened the reflective mood of the event.

Flags were distributed to the crowd and enthusiastically waved as Karam led a performance of "God Bless the USA" to bring an end to the event and a candlelight vigil, using glow sticks, was held by the crowd.

Follow the photo gallery above to see highlights of the parade and ceremony.