9/11 Service of Remembrance & Candlelight Vigil at Gorgas Park

The next community event sponsored by the 21st Ward Veterans Association will the observance for the 16th anniversary of the attacks of 9-11-2001. The community event will be a prayer vigil in Gorgas Park at the memorial with the service beginning at 6 pm on Monday, September 11, 2017.

The challenge to eradicate the world of the evil of terrorism continues to be a difficult battle. Show that America still stands strong and will not cave in to violent evil acts of terrorism. Show that you care and will not give in to fear by attending the annual observance of the "9-11 ATTACKS ON AMERICA" that will be held on Monday, September 11, 2017.

This Service of Remembrance with candlelight vigil, sponsored by the 21st Ward Veterans Association, is a time for our community (Roxborough, Manayunk, Wissahickon, Andorra, and East Falls) to unite in prayer and to show support for each other. The Service will take place at the Gorgas Park War Memorial located on 6300 Ridge Avenue between Hermitage and Fountain Streets in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia. The Service will commence at 6:00 pm. Set up and preparation will begin at 5:00 pm.

Clergy and lay personnel of churches and synagogues have been invited to participate in the service with prayers for the innocents who were murdered and the families they left behind as well as remembrances of the heroes. There will be a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.

Military men and women, past and present, will be acknowledged for their commitment and sacrifice to sustaining the freedom we enjoy as Americans.

The heroic civil servants—Firefighters, Police, and EMT’s—who sacrificed their lives to save those in harm’s way will be honored. We will also be paying tribute to our first responders and thanking them for keeping us safe during our daily routines. Lately the media has portrayed our brave officers in a negative light for a few isolated incidents. We want to show the Police and Fire personnel our appreciation for their dedication to “Protect & Serve”. A wreath will be placed in their memory for those who have sacrificed their lives. Following the wreath placement, the Henry Houston - American Legion Post 3 Rifle Squad will fire the traditional three rounds followed by TAPS honoring all who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom.

During the candlelight vigil, Police, Fire, EMT’s, and Military personnel will light the ceremonial memorial candles. The flame of remembrance will pass from one to another until all candles are burning bright. Due to a limited supply of candles, members of the community are encouraged to bring their own candles for the candlelight vigil.

Following this years’ Service of Remembrance, “The Hooligans”, the Philadelphia-based Celtic Irish Folk/Rock Band, will return in concert. The Hooligans was the first band to perform in Gorgas Park immediately following the 911 attack. It was during that first prayer vigil / concert that more than $500 were raised and donated to the Red Cross.

All clergy and lay personnel who want to participate are asked to contact Bruce F. Hoffman (H: 215 483-8486, C: 267-304-5787 for text or voice mail, or Email brucefhoffman@msn.com ) prior to the event. Please reference PRAYER VIGIL in the subject line. We look forward to the full support of our great community.

Bruce F. Hoffman, President 21st Ward Veterans Association

brucefhoffman@msn.com, 215-483-8486 (H) 267-304-5787 Cell