Families gathered at the Sherwood Island State Park in Westport to remember those lost on 9/11 as the 20th anniversary approaches.

They read the names of the 161 victims with ties to Connecticut out loud.

"There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him,” says Kathryn Herbert, of Bethel.

Hebert lost her brother Adam J. Lewis on 9/11. He worked as a trader on the 89th floor in the second tower.

“When he walked into a room, he lit up a room with his intoxicating smile and his bigger than life personality,” says Hebert. “He loved his four kids, he loved his family.”

Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz joined the families to remember the 161 victims from Connecticut and to thank the first responders who helped to save others.

Fred Haschack was a member of the Bridgeport fire department for 35 years.

“There's a meaning to the words never forget,” Haschack says.

It’s why he holds the memorial flag with the names of the lives lost.

Each year, the state invites family and friends to Sherwood Island State Park for the remembrance ceremony. 

The ceremony is held before the 9/11 ceremony in New York City to allow family members to attend.