Community honors heroes, victims of 9/11 attacks
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LEWISTOWN -- Community members and officials joined together Friday at the Mifflin County Courthouse in remembrance of the victims and in a tribute to the heroes on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
About 50 people attended the ceremony on Friday morning to give thanks to those who show up every day for their community as well as remember those who lost their lives 25 years ago.
"Within the matter of hours, around 3,000 innocent people lost their lives, and our nation was changed forever," said Mifflin County Commissioner Rob Postal.
"We remember the people of the World Trade Center and the brave men and women who gave their lives. We gather here not to dwell on hatred, but to honor courage. Not to just remember the tragedy but the lives of the people behind the numbers. Not to look backward with fear but to look forward with gratitude for the freedoms and responsibilities that bind us together as Americans," Postal said.
Postal added that the tragedy revealed something powerful in the days that followed when Americans stood together.
Those in attendance honored the victims and the heroes of the day with a pledge to the flag, a moment of silence and the ringing of the courthouse bells.
FAME EMS, 911 telecommunicators, police and local fire departments were also in attendance to honor the first responders who took immediate action to help their fellow Americans in a tremendous time of need.
Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish led the audience in a prayer remembering those we lost and acknowledging those who serve their community.
"Give strength to the families that still feel the absence of those they love, honor all those who serve and protect us not just in our county but across this great nation," said Kodish.
"This morning we renew a promise to remember and never forget," Postal said.
Kodish concluded the prayer by saying, “May God bless those we remember today. May God bless those who serve us every day. And may God bless the United States of America."