S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – For many Americans, the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, remains as vivid as if it happened yesterday.
Twenty-five years later, the Greenawalds Fire Co. is making sure those memories — and the lives lost that day — are not forgotten. On the morning of 25th anniversary, the department, with the help of South Whitehall Township and other rescue agencies, came together to hold their own 9/11 ceremony filled with music and speeches.
“We can only imagine the terror of those final moments and we can only imagine the families waiting at home, expecting a phone call or the sound of the key turning in the door they never came home,” said former South Whitehall and Lehigh County Commissioner Brad Osborne, as he stood before the crowd.
Outside the fire station stands a permanent memorial featuring a piece of steel from the World Trade Center site.
“We did petition the Port Authority of New York in New Jersey for a piece of steal from the World Trade Center site, and we were blessed to receive that in 2016,” said Greenawalds Fire Chief Andew Garger.
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During this year’s remembrance ceremony, members of the community were invited to approach the memorial, one by one. Each person received a rose and placed it at the monument, creating a personal tribute to those who died.
“We like to have that personal touch, so everybody feels connected to the event and our monument,” Garger said.
For Garger, the anniversary is also an opportunity to make sure younger generations understand what happened.
“We have a lot of members who weren’t born yet on September 11th, or who were very young when it happened,” he said. “So, it’s important to pass along our memories of that day so the next generation can also remember.”
The ceremony also reflects the deep connection between Sept. 11 and the fire service. For Garger, the events of 9/11 helped reinforce his commitment to a life of service.
Twenty-five years later, he hopes that same spirit will continue to reach younger generations.
“I think today there’s a lot of other things and a lot of other opportunities that are drawn to, but the need for community service is still very much there,” Garger said.
Chief Garger says the public is welcome any time to stop by the memorial at 2500 Focht Ave. and honor those lost on 9/11.