GIFFORD — To mark the 20th anniversary 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Rescue Department hosted several local volunteer departments and an ambulance service Saturday at a memorial service at the Hilltop Baptist Church followed by a brief ceremony at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Lafayette for a tree dedication in memory of firemen.
In the worst-ever terrorist attack on U. S. soil, two hijacked commercial airliners struck the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City. A third airliner destroyed part of the Pentagon; a fourth crashed in a field near Shanksville, possibly preventing a larger loss of life if it had reached a more populated area.
Also participating in the program were members of the Hilltop, Mt. Jewett and Kane VFDs, as well as Phoenix Ambulance.
“We are gathered here today on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, to remember the victims, honor the heroes and renew our commitment to never forget one of the most tragic days in American history,” remarked Don Fowler, chief of the Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Rescue Department, one of several speakers at the church.
“I have heard it said that with each passing year, the memories of that unimaginable day have become a little dimmer,” Fowler continued. “It is for that reason that it’s so very important to keep the memory of those terrible events that occurred on that morning in New York City, Washington, D. C. and in the skies over Shanksville.”
Fowler said that never to be forgotten are the hundreds of firefighters, police officers and first responders who selflessly gave up their lives to save others, as well as civilian heroes who did not abandon their injured fellow co-workers even when faced with certain death themselves.
“Undoubtedly, the ruthless attacks of 9/11 have reshaped the course of history, of our lives, and the lives of those to come,” Fowler stated. “And it’s worth noting that the majority of students in school have no recollection of 9/11. In the not so distant future an entire generation will have no personal connection to that fateful morning that has defined our world for the last 20 years.”
Fowler quoted the words of George Santayana, an American philosopher, who said, , “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
“Those words should never be able to ring true,” Fowler concluded.
Jenny Crowley, 2021-22 Miss McKean Countty Fair, sang the the national anthem.
Steve Appleby, curator and director of programs and education at the Eldred World War II Museum, was guest speaker.
Appleby, who credited an elementary school teacher for sparking his interest in World War II when she gave him a book on the subject, said World War II was a battle of good versus evil.
“9/11 was our Pearl Harbor,” he said, pointing to the daily news out of Kabul where the Taliban had taken over our former Afghanistan embassy. “Twenty years later and the bad guys are in charge.”
Citing his disappointment with the lack of knowledge some students show when they visit the WWII Museum, Appleby called on schools to increase their emphasis on history and the flag.
Speaking directly to the audience, Appleby said, “You don’t have to be in the military to be a patriot. Do something proactive. Get out and fight the good fight. Appreciate the contributions of the soldiers, first responders. Talk to families and friends. Never forget!”
While Appleby shared his concern over the country’s current divisions, he remains optimistic about the future. “There are some bright students and leaders in business coming up,” he said. “This is still the greatest country in the world.”
“Even Anne Frank, the young girl who spent two years in hiding with the family from the Nazis before she died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, continued to see good in people, according to her diary.”
Rob Mitchell, first assistant chief of the LTVFRD, read Vito Fosella’s poem, “I Stared in Total Disbelief,” that recounts attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center.
Jenny Crowley returned to sing the closing song.
Pastor Max Simms spoke briefly about his recent visit to the Flight 93 Memorial and what a solemn experience that was.
Simms provided the scripture and closing prayer.
Then the procession of fire trucks, an, ambulance and audience headed for the Memorial Park Cemetery at Lafayette, led by a state trooper.
Across the road from the site of the memorial service was Kane Volunteer Fire Department’s Tower 5, from which a huge American flag was draped.
During this brief ceremony, Jerry Ruhlman, and EMT and firefighter with the Lafayette department, read a selection explaining the tradition of the sounding of a bell that signaled the start of a firefighter’s day.
“Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizens.
“ When the fire was out , the bell signaled the completion of a call. When a firefighter had died in the line of duty, paying the ultimate sacrifice, it was the mournful toll of the bells that solemnly announced our comrade’s passing.
“To symbolize the devotion of these firefighters, a special signal of three rings, three times each, represent the end of the firefighter’s duties. To those 343 firefighters and first responders who selflessly gave their lives for the good of their fellow man; their tasks complete, their duties well done; to our comrades, their last alarm. They have gone home.”
A fireman rang the bell.
Stan Gleason read the poem, “The Day the Eagle Cried.”
Standing by the autumn cherry tree LTVRD members have planted, Gleason said, “Today, on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we take a moment to Remember-Honor and Respect those who lost their lives trying to save others in the chaos -especially the 343 firefighters who raced toward danger. We dedicate this beautiful tree in their honor and as we thank them , we will never ever forget.”
