Nazareth marks Sept. 11 anniversary with remembrances, patriotic music,
Published: Sunday, September 11, 2011, 5:30 PM Updated: Sunday, 10:08 PM,
In Nazareth, an estimated 500 to 600 people attended a Sept. 11 anniversary service this afternoon highlighted by patriotic music and remembrances of 9/11.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent recounted the story of his cousin, Steve McIntyre, who with 11 co-workers of the American Bureau of Shipping escaped the 91st floor of the burning North Tower that day.
Service organizer Bill Brackbill, the former Northampton County executive, introduced his son-in-law Jim Scott, a Secret Service agent who hustled Vice President Dick Cheney from his White House office to a secure underground bunker.
And Paul McHale, the former Lehigh Valley congressman and assistant secretary of defense for homeland security, illustrated the sacrifices made for liberty by telling of Marine Corps Sgt. Bill Cahir. Cahir, a former Express-Times correspondent who covered McHale, joined the Marines in the wake of 9/11 and died in Afghanistan in August 2009.
Cahir's twin daughters were born shortly after his death at age 40.
"Those two little girls will never see their father, but they will be the beneficiary -- as will we -- of his sacrifice," said McHale, a retired Marine Reserves colonel who now works as a consultant and attorney in Washington, D.C.
The two-hour ceremony at Nazareth Area High School had been in the planning stages since April. Organizers recognized the service of first responders and servicemen and women in the war on terror.
Performances by the 45-piece Nazareth Community Area Band, conducted by Ralph Brodt III, and 64-member Nazareth Community Chorus, directed by Lenna Harris, brought the audience to its feet.
McHale said he was driving on Interstate 78 from his Bethlehem home to a state parks board meeting in Harrisburg when the terrorists struck Sept. 11, 2001. By day's end, he had packed a bag, gotten a Marine haircut and, as an assistant division commander in the Marine Reserves, prepared for deployment, he said.
That call-up wouldn't come until six years later, when as a Marine Reserves lieutenant colonel and assistant secretary of defense, he would be deployed to a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
But it was Cahir's bravery, McHale said, and others like his that will ensure the survival of liberty for Americans.
"His story is one of duty, courage, sacrifice and renewal," he said.
September 12, 2011, The [Lehigh Valley] Express-Times, Hundreds turn out for Sept. 11 memorial services, By Michael Buck,
Hundreds of people gathered throughout the region Sunday forSept. 11 memorial serviceshighlighted by patriotic music, personal reflections and remembrances.
In Nazareth, an estimated 500 to 600 people attended a Sept. 11 anniversary service at Nazareth Area High School. About 150 gathered at Trinity Episcopal Church in Downtown Easton for an interfaith ceremony that brought together Christians, Jews and Muslims. Hundreds more crowded into a pavilion at the Richard Cudina 9/11 Memorial in Lebanon Township.
Those who spoke at the various sites offered stories of personal sacrifice and loss but also ones of strength and hope.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, who spoke in Nazareth, recounted the story of his cousin, Steve McIntyre, who with 11 co-workers of the American Bureau of Shipping, escaped the 91st floor of the burning North Tower that day.
Georgia Cudina spoke briefly at a memorial service at the Richard Cudina 9/11 Memorial in Lebanon Township. She reflected on the decade since she lost her husband, Richard Cudina, who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center. Cudina was overcome by emotions during her short speech but said she has realized the importance of friends and community.
"I have found strength and courage I didn't know I had,"Cudina said to a crowd of several hundred people.
Paul McHale, the former Lehigh Valley congressman and assistant secretary of defense for homeland security, also spoke in Nazareth and illustrated the sacrifices made for liberty by telling of Marine Corps Sgt. Bill Cahir. Cahir, a former Express-Times correspondent who covered McHale, joined the Marines in the wake of Sept. 11 and died in Afghanistan in August 2009.
Cahir's twin daughters were born shortly after his death at age 40.
"Those two little girls will never see their father, but they will be the beneficiary -- as will we -- of his sacrifice," said McHale, a retired Marine Reserves colonel who now works as a consultant and lawyer in Washington, D.C.
The service at Trinity Episcopal Church in Easton was filled with song and prayer. Members of the New York City Metropolitan Opera, a chamber orchestra and the Easton Area High School choir serenaded the audience. Local religious leaders representing Jews, Christians and Muslims read from their holy books. One of the leaders, Rizwan Butt, who was representing the Easton Phillipsburg Muslim Association, read passages from the Quran in Arabic then in English.
At the beginning of the service, two column-like candles were lit in memory of the World Trade Center towers in New York City.
In an open letter to those who attended, Trinity Episcopal Church's the Rev. Andrew Gerns reflected on the people who chose good on Sept. 11 and those who chose evil.
"Many thousands of other people chose without prompting the good ... and helped keep descending evil from overwhelming us all," Gerns wrote."We remember all of them today."
That sentiment was echoed by U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance, R-Hunterdon, as he spoke in Lebanon Township of the countless acts of heroism and selflessness that happened on Sept. 11.
"This weekend we honor the memory of those who were lost on 9/11," Lance said."May we all recall today the tragedy of 10 years ago."
The gray and overcast day was in stark contrast to the Sept. 11 of 10 years ago, said New Jersey state Sen. Michael Doherty, R-Warren/Hunterdon, who spoke in Lebanon Township. Doherty said he remembers Sept. 11, 2001, as being a clear, crisp, almost fall-like day. He said he doesn't recall ever seeing the sky that blue.
"It's an indication of how fast things can change," Doherty said.
Doherty told the crowd to make sure that they appreciate every day and their families.
"It can be all taken away so quickly,"Doherty said.
Sunday, September 11, 2011 7:54 PM
People stand and look at a field of flags on display during a 9/11 Anniversary Ceremony at the Lebanon Township Memorial Park. Express-Times Photo | MATT SMITH
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:24 PM
The Dream Kids sang "We Choose Love", written by Elizabeth Falcone, of Bethlehem. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:24 PM
Sara Parsley hands a flag to Ron Roth as he entered hte Nazareth High School Auditorium for the September 11, 2001 event. Flags were handed to all who attended. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:24 PM
James Ruhf, and the other pipers enter the stage at Nazareth's September 11, 2001 event. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:24 PM
James Ruhf and other pipers participated in the Nazareth's September 11, 2001 ceremony. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:24 PM
The audience at NAzareth's September 11, 2001 event were in a reflective mood. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:24 PM
The Colonial Regional Police presents colors at the beginning of Nazareth's Commemoration of September 11, 2001. In front is a rendering of the space on Manhattan where the towers once were. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:24 PM
Firefighters and members of the ambulance corp were on stage during the September 11, 2001 ceremony held by Nazareth. Express-Times Photo | JIM MIDDLEKAUFF
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Franklin Township fireman, Paul Dudan, stands at attention with a firemans axe, that reflects a police officer saluting. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Members of the Oxford Rescue Squad hold their hands over their hearts. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Warren County Fire Marshall, Joe Lake, left, salutes and Warren County Fire Academy Director, Chief Joe Fox, Sr, holds his hand over his heart, as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Police officers and various officials, take a moment to remember those that perished on 9/11, during the invocation. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Ronnie Read, with the Franklin Township Fire Company, stands reverently during the invocation. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Conner Monus, 4, of Washington, puts on his turn-out gear during the Patriot Day Ceremony at the Warren County Emergency Services and 9/11 Memorial Sunday. His father, Richard is a fireman on the Washington Borough Fire Department. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
First responders take a moment to bow their heads. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Firefighters bow their heads during the ceremony. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Mark DeVoe, from Washington Borough Fire Company, bows his head during a prayer. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Bob Gerstner, left, of Franklin Township Fire Department and Chuck McDade, of Washington Borough Fire Department, place a wreath in front of a section of steel from Ground Zero during the Warren County 9/11 Memorial Ceremony in Franklin Township. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Deepa K. Pakkala, was one of three with ties to Warren County to be memorialized on a wreath. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Bruce A. Reynolds was one of three with ties to Warren County that died on 9/11/01. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:29 PM
Bruce E. Simmons is one of three with ties to Warren County to be memorialized on a wreath. Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP
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