Greater Willow Grove Area Pauses to Remember 9/11 Heroes, Victims

More than 120 community members joined area fire companies, police departments, EMTs and Second Alarmers to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy Sept. 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. The event took place at , located on 3000 Terwood Road in Willow Grove.

“Today, we pause to remember and promise never to forget,” Rev. Paul Randolph, chaplain, Huntingdon Valley Fire Company, said. “We come together as we came together today to honor, pray and grieve.”

In addition to Rep. Thomas Murt, speakers Rabbi Adam Wholberg of Temple Sinai, Rev. Michael Tavella of Holy Lutheran Church, Rev. Tom Rose, chaplain of Bryn Athyn Fire Company, and Rev. Paul Dougherty of St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic Church anchored the memorial service.

“At the time of the tragedy when people racing to leave, our firefighters, first responders and EMTs were going into the eye of the storm,” Murt said. “We remember those who died and those who continue to fight. While we mourn today, we must celebrate our best, brightest and bravest.”

Along with musical accompaniment and post-ceremony refreshments, an impressive display of fire equipment in Upper Moreland High School’s parking lot welcomed visitors to the service.

The highlight of the memorial service was a bell ringing ceremony. During the ceremony, each area's fire and police chiefs rang the bell once in honor of the heroes and victims.

Montgomery County’s 3rd District includes Bryn Athyn Fire Co., Enterprise Fire Co. of Hatboro, Horsham Fire Co., Huntingdon Valley Fire Co., Rockledge Fire Co., Second Alarmers Rescue Squad and Willow Grove Fire Co.

Additionally, the 60-minute service included tributes to hometown heroes Tristan Smith and John Kulick, and Upper Moreland Police’s Honor Guard.

“If you see a service man, let them know you appreciate their service,” Randolph said.

Near the end of the ceremony, the whole auditorium began singing “God Bless America” with singer Jose Young. The fervor swelled as flags waved back and forth.

For more information, email Rev. Paul Randolph at hvfcrev@msn.com or Captain Renee Bates at Renee.Bates@main.sars.org.