Township Observes 9/11 In Somber Ceremony

In a solemn ceremony, South Whitehall’s first responders -- fire, police, ambulance and emergency management personnel -- gathered Sunday at the township to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the worst attacks on American soil in the country’s history.

The mood was somber as South Whitehall police patrolman David Jones played bagpipes and officials remembered those who died. Officials noted too the courage of first responders.

“All of you -- police, fire and ambulance personnel -- are the real dignitaries here,” said township Manager in opening remarks.

Representatives from the police department, , the township's three volunteer fire companies -- , and -- and neighboring Tri-Clover, along with family and friends stood quietly as the horrific incidents in New York, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pa. were recalled.

Brad Osborne, president of the board of commissioners, said the attacks left families without fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters.

“Thirteen hundred [victims] are still missing," he said. "Can you imagine the size of the holes in the hearts of their families?"

Since Sept. 11, Osborne said, there have been reports of other terroristic attack plans. "They want to attack us not because we’re Americans, but for what we stand for," he said.

"We must protect ourselves. We have the best volunteer firefighters, the best police department in the area, the best ambulance corps and the best emergency management personnel. We thank you all.”

Anthony Campbell, deacon at Catholic Church, asked everyone to take a few minutes to pray for those who lost their lives, those who sacrificed to save others, and for every family affected by the Sept. 11 attacks.

“As First Responders, each of you is to be commended.” he said, adding, “When you get on your rescue vehicle, you don’t know how or if you’ll return.”

He recalled a trip to Italy a year ago. “We were in a small restaurant. When the people near us found out we were Americans, they stood up and thanked us for standing up for the rights of all people. They said they watched the attacks on television and said they were afraid.”

“Never forget, good comes from evil,” added Campbell. “We should be a people of hope. That’s what will change the world. Let this day be a new beginning for our country. You are wonderful people; what you do helps fill that hole in our hearts. Please keep doing the things you do to bring hope, and pray for goodness, truth and peace.”

A commemorative wreath was placed at the foot of the township flagpole while two police officers lowered the flag to half-staff.

The ceremony ended with Jones playing “Amazing Grace.”