Hundreds of people in Westport Thursday honored and celebrated the lives of friends, family and loves ones who died in the Sept. 11 terror attacks.  

The event was held at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

A total of 161 people with ties to Connecticut lost their lives in the terror attacks on the World Trade Center.

Gov. Dannel Malloy spoke at the event. Before the ceremony, loved ones came to reflect at the memorial.

The ceremony is always held on an evening before the actual anniversary to accommodate family and loved ones who also attend observances in New York City on Sept. 11.