As the nation remembers the tragic and horrific attacks of 9/11, here in Erie, PennWest Edinboro and Girard High School held memorials honoring the lives lost.
It’s a grim anniversary that America mourns every year. Friday marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the day terrorists struck the World Trade Center. Nationwide memorials are being held to ensure those we lost are never forgotten.
In Erie, at PennWest Edinboro, nearly 3,000 flags were placed on the front lawn of the Pogue Student Center, one for each of the 2,977 victims of the September 11 attacks. Young Americans for Freedom organized the memorial, their first year hosting it, saying they hope it becomes an annual tradition.
“Remember, we have to remember what happened. It’s still important that we never forget because that’s how we move forward. We have to make sure that we never forget what happened.” Abigail Lander, the Chairwoman for Young Americans for Freedom explained.
And in Girard, the high school auditorium filled with students and community members for their yearly 9/11 service. Raw, captivating recordings and footage from that morning were displayed, showing the reality of how the attacks shook our nation to its core.
The ceremony then moved outside with the Girard American Legion Post 494, and at 10:03 a.m., they also honored the moment Flight 93 went down.
“To see and hear the true impact of innocence, this was 2,900 and nearly 3,000 people who went to work that day and were killed for that.” Eric Louis, the Co-Principal for Girad High School shared.
Both memorials featured guest speakers who reflected on why we must never forget this somber anniversary.