Gallery: Avon pays tribute to victims of 9/11

The Avon Volunteer Fire Department, on Monday, hosted its annual remembrance service on the 22 anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The ceremony began outside with a brief welcome and the singing of the National Anthem by Heather Underwood, a 1995 graduate of Avon High School and classmate of Amy Toyen - who lost her life while attending a trade show at the World Trade Center on 9/11 attacks in 2001.

Inside, attendees listened as members and friends of the community honored the victims of that day in a ceremony designed to "Remember, Reflect and Recommit."

Father George Roberts, rector of St. James Parish in Farmington, offered the Firefighters Prayer and Benediction.

John Carmon emceed the program and shared his experiences of 9/11 as then president of the National Funeral Directors Association.

Sue Kasey, retired police officer from Avon and UConn, shared information about Amy Toyen. Kasey also read her 9/11 poem, accompanied by members of Sweet Adelines.

The Avon High School Camerata Singers, directed by Andrew Brochu, performed God Bless America and America the Beautiful.

Additionally, Patrick Bogui, a UConn medical student, performed Amazing Grace on violin while Walter Pastet of Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums also performed at the beginning and end of the ceremony.