9/11 Service Of Remembrance 6 p.m. At The Town Green

For the tenth year, the Town of Madison, the United Way of Greater New Haven, Anthem Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Yale New Haven Hospital and WTNH-News Channel 8 are partnering to honor members of the Madison Community Family on the anniversary of 9/11.

"The focus for the Service of Remembrance scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday at the town green is to recall all members of our community who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom," the program for the event says. The service will be held by the memorials naming those members of our Madison family. "We must also reflect on the non-military losses we suffered as a nation and a community, on September 11, 2001. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for Diane Bullis-Snyder, Anthony Demas, Peter Gelinas and Robert Peraza, each with ties to our town.

"We would like to place special emphasis today on the men and women from Madison and throughout our nation who are serving in the military and presently fighting for our continued freedom. Let us remember these individuals as members of our collective community family."

The program will start at 6 p.m. with a prologue from Arthur H. Criddle, to be followed by a welcome and invocation by the Rev. Dr. Chris Nichols. The presentation of colors will be by Griswold Post. #79. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Pam McKinnon, the 9/11 liaison. America the Beautiful will be led by Kate Adams, co-president of the Daniel Hand High School Interact Club.

There will be remembrances from members of the Madison community, followed by remarks from state Rep. Noreen Kokoruda and First Selectman Fillmore McPherson. The Rev. Dr. Linda Smith-Criddle will give the reflection and blessing and then the entire crowd will adjourn in silence to the steps of the First Congregational Church for the Salute and Taps.

Several organizations and individuals contributed to help with the event, including the First Congregational Church, Madison Exchange Club, Madison Lions Club, Madison Rotary Interact Club, the town of Madison, and Roberts Food Center and Madison Stop & Shop for their support of the food drive for Madison Community Services.