Governor Rell Honors Memory of Beverly Eckert

            To honor the memory of Beverly Eckert of Stamford, Governor M. Jodi Rell today ordered flags at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport to half-staff and directed that a single white rose be placed atop the Park’s 9/11 Living Memorial.

            Eckert’s husband, Sean Rooney, was killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Eckert was among the passengers on board Continental Flight 3407, which it crashed into a home in suburban Buffalo on Thursday evening, killing all 49 on board and one person on the ground. According to published reports, Eckert was traveling to Buffalo for a weekend celebration of what would have been her husband’s 58th birthday.

            “Beverly’s strength, passion and courage was – and will continue to be – an inspiration to us all,” Governor Rell said. “Her advocacy following the 9/11 tragedies was compelling and effective. In her grief over the loss of her husband, she found a way to bring about public good. We felt this gesture at Sherwood Island would be a fitting tribute to Beverly. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends.”

            Sherwood Island State Park was chosen for the state’s memorial to that horrific day because on a clear day the New York City skyline is visible from the point. On 9/11, people who gathered there saw smoke rise over the World Trade Center. Later the park served as a staging area for relief efforts to the city.