A remembrance ceremony has once again been held by Howard Lasher at his Dodgingtown Road home where an American Flag mural was painted on 6 maple trees by artist David Merrill.  It's a tribute to nine associates from the American Stock Exchange, and the son of a colleague who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald who all lost their lives on 9/11.

He says after Newtown suffered it's "own personal 9/11" many people left cards and poems of prayers along with stuffed animals in front of the trees.

Lasher says no amount of tears will ever return loved ones lost on 9/11 or 12/14, but hopes the memorial provides a solemn place to reflect, mourn and move forward.  He says even after 12 years have past, he and others still strive to find hope in moments of hopelessness. 

He says Newtown is blessed by town leaders and a police force second to none.  Lasher says residents owe them a great deal of gratitude for how they handled the aftermath of the December 14th shootings and what they've done for the town.

Lasher says he wanted the memorial to serve as a testament to the resilient American spirit which will never be broken.  He also wanted it to be a tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces and their ongoing sacrifice which keeps the nation safe from future attacks.