Hundreds of area residents yesterday to remember the events of a year ago, first in the morning at a service at the City Hotel Park and also last evening at the Tyrone Area High School Auditorium. Organized by the Tyrone Area Cooperative Ministries, both services were filled with song, thanksgiving and reflections of September 11, 2001 and how it has changed the community.
Rev. T.M. Talbot-Moses, who spearheaded the events, welcomed the hundreds who attended last night’s service at the high school, noting that people were gathered to remember the events of that day, to remember what was lost and gained and “to honor those who serve our community as firefighters, fire police, law enforcement officers, EMTs and all other emergency personnel, members of the Salvation Army, of course our armed forces and all who give selflessly ‘in this place we call home’.
“Tonight we remember the presence of God’s all abiding grace,” she continued. “Tonight we look to the hope of strength in God’s grace. Tonight we look to the Lord of all creation to bring us comfort, peace, feeling and hope.”
A community choir was organized and the Tyrone Music Department’s show choir, POPS Extension, provided powerful music as the backdrop to the evening’s service. Rev. Roy Garthwaite and David Grazier stirred the patriotic spirit with a special musical selection centered on the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pat Stoner spoke, recalling the events of last year and the resilience of America. “Let us be ever mindful that while we can’t erase the pain for the families of the thousands who died and were injured, we can share in it.”
Stoner said that the events of last year “had tentacles” that reached beyond the immediate localities impacted. She recalled the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the similar feelings evoked 60 years ago, yet noted the difference. Then, she recalled, there was still a feeling of safety on American soil.
“The harsh reality is that terrorism did not stop on September 11 and it is important for you, the finest generation of young people ever — and I mean that — to remember the resolve of the American people to persevere and confirm the values that set us apart as a free nation.”
Rev. Norman Huff read the remarks from Rep. Larry Sather, who was unable to attend. “The events of that day changed our lives and we found ourselves redefining what is really important in those lives,” he said. He warned against taking for granted the freedoms. He praised the local emergency personnel who serve the community daily.
“To ensure freedom for our future generations, we must all unite and pray for guidance, direction and compassion in that effort,” he said in conclusion.
“Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians offer their lives on the line everyday — as we witnessed September 11 — to insure that when tragedy strikes the victims are cared for and the perpetrators are caught and turned over for a just resolution,” Representative Jerry Stern noted. “You rallied around our flag, our president, our national leaders, our governors, our families and friends like we never have before. We’ve been reawakened to our liberties and we will no longer take for granted the freedoms and responsibilities that come from being an American.
Certificates showing appreciation were presented to area emergency, armed forces service and benevolent organizations. Talbot-Moses recalled the
“As we think of the many who gave themselves selfishly, we are also reminded that there are people in our Tyrone Community and surrounding areas who give of themselves selflessly in times of tragedy, accident, fire and disaster,” she said. “We are honored by their presence tonight.”
Those organizations and individuals honored were the Citizen’s Fire Company, Bald Eagle Fire Comapany, The Blazing Arrow Hook & Ladder Fire Company, Neptune Fire Company, The American Red Cross, Tyrone Fire Police, Warriors Mark-Franklin Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Police, the Tyrone Police Department, Tyrone Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Tyrone Salvation Army, Howard Gardner Post No. 281 of the American Legion, the Anderson-Denny Post No. 4559 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Tyrone Fire Police, AMED Ambulance EMTs, Tipton-Antis Fire Company, the Houtzdale Regional Police Department K-9 Unit, the Tyrone Area School District Police and the Tyrone Borough.
