People always say you remember where you were when a tragic national event took place. People remember where they were when President John F. Kennedy was shot or what they were doing when the Berlin Wall collapsed.
For many in Northeast Pennsylvania, with the close proximity to our state, the vivid impact on our area during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks still feels like it happened only weeks ago.
On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I recall where I was: in the hall at Valley View High School in between classes after first period while hearing about the tragedy. Commotion rocked the halls of school that morning. As a scared sophomore uncertain of the situation, I wondered: Where was my family? Did I know anyone out in New York City that day?
The heroes that day we remember as civilians became superheroes, police officers became unstoppable, and the firefighters with ferocity pushed forward to fight the horrific flames that later would take the lives of so many innocent people.
Not only have communication styles changed within police and fire departments, but our nation’s communication has changed to recall a time before 9/11 or after 9/11.
Maybe you were too young to understand the impact of the fear of the days after, which held such a tight grip on our society. Code levels sporadically appeared of threats to the nation from mild to severe. Every day we pushed forward as Americans to rebuild: Rebuild our strength, our confidence and our faith.
If you were of age to recall the days after the tragedy, maybe you remember the tireless efforts of all involved in the cleanup of the heartbreaking wreckage.
For one local town, a unique idea to preserve a piece of history became an opportunity to display a piece of the World Trade Center.
The Dickson City Borough Building has a piece of steel from the building from the Sept. 11 attacks as part of a 9/11 memorial in its lobby at 901 Enterprise St. The borough received the artifact in 2015.
Another view of the piece of steel from the World Trade Center from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on display at the lobby of the Dickson City Borough Building. (Courtesy of Cesare Forconi)
Borough Manager Cesare Forconi reflected on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.
“It is difficult to believe that so many years have passed. The memories of that day remain vivid for many of us and the impact continues to shape our nation,” Forconi said.
“The Borough of Dickson City is proud to display a piece of the World Trade Center so that the memory of those who lost their lives is forever preserved. Having this artifact in our community is a true honor,” Forconi said. “It allows future generations, who may only read about the events of that day, to visit our display and understand the magnitude of the sacrifice made by the many first responders who rushed toward danger without hesitation.”
Forconi commented on the aftermath, which many of us recall.
“I still remember the day and those that followed clearly, the confusion, the disbelief and the collective grief as people watched the events unfold. It changed our country and it changed each of us as well,” he said.
Forconi explained the process the borough went through to acquire the piece.
“The borough’s effort to obtain the artifact began with a council member who initiated the request. Through months of letter writing to representatives of the Port Authority, which maintains ownership of the artifacts, as well as to New York’s political leaders, the borough was eventually offered the opportunity to acquire a piece of the World Trade Center,” Forconi said.
“Our police chief and a member of Eagle Hose Fire Company traveled to the storage facility in New York and brought it to Dickson City. Another council member assisted with constructing the display, and several local businesses generously donated time and materials to complete the monument as it stands today,” Forconi recalled.
It’s fascinating that a small town can hold something with as much history and impact as a piece of the World Trade Center.
“I’m proud to live in Dickson City, where a piece of history is honored and remembered in the Borough Building,” Katie Trinovitch, Dickson City resident, said. She also recalled the impact that day had on us as Americans.
“May we never forget those who lost their lives on that fateful day, and the first responders who sacrificed so much to assist, both on that day and in years to come,” Trinovitch remarked.
When a tragedy affects us all, the time that has passed can feel like the blink of an eye. But the hurt and grief of all those losses we will mourn in our hearts forever.
This artwork on the wall of the Dickson City Borough Building is part of the 9/11 memorial in the lobby. (Courtesy of Cesare Forconi)
Further reflecting upon the 25th anniversary, Forconi said the tragedy’s response showed the nation’s character.
“As we approach the 25th year, my thoughts turn to what the response to the tragedy revealed about America: volunteerism, selfless sacrifice and the willingness to help others in their hour of need,” he said.
Forconi added, “My son was only one year old when the attacks occurred, far too young to understand their significance. Now at 26, we have talked many times over the years about the meaning of that day and shared our reflections. My hope is that 25 years from now, he will visit the monument with his own son and tell him that he once stood here with his father to honor and remember those who perished.”
I ask you after reading this to pause and remember all those who saved our nation on that very tragic day.
Local 9/11 memorial services
Blakely: Peckville Assembly of God will host a 9/11 memorial service on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. at the church, 3364 Scranton/Carbondale Highway, Business Route 6, Blakely. All first responders are invited. For more information, call 570-881-1465 or email peckvilleag@gmail.com.
Scranton: The Lackawanna County 9/11 Memorial Committee will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks Friday, Sept. 11, at 8 a.m. at the memorial site in McDade Park. The public is invited. Immediately following will be a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Invited uniformed personnel include the Pennsylvania State Police, emergency medical technicians, the Scranton Fire Department bell ceremony, the Civil Air Patrol and Scouting America. The Northeast Detachment Marine Corps League will provide the firing detail.