Local family marks somber anniversary

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) -- As the country mourns the loss of the thousands of people killed during the Sept. 11 attacks, several memorial ceremonies took place locally to honor the victims.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee ordered all U.S. and Rhode Island flags at public buildings to be lowered to half staff, and throughout the state, remembrances were held for those who tragically perished 11 years ago.

At the 9/11 memorial at Oakland Beach in Warwick, the sky is just as blue as it was in New York City more than a decade ago. For Richard Dellefemine, he finds peace there as he remembers his sister, Carol Dellefemine Bouchard.

Carol was a passenger on American Airlines flight 11, the plane that crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

"For me it was just hard to process, and realize that she could be gone that fast, in that way," said Dellefemine.

Carol is one of three people recognized at the memorial in Warwick. Mark Charette, of Warwick, and Renee Tetreault Newell, of Cranston, are also remembered there.

Every year, the three families spend the somber anniversary together.