READING, Pa.- Two powerful services took place in Reading on Friday, one organized by the city and the other by the county.
“On Sept. 11, 2001, America was changed forever,” says Reading Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss.
“Although it has been 25 years since that terrible day, that day proved to be the greatest test of the American Spirit and demonstrated the resilience of the American people,” he expressed.
Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in the deadliest terrorist attacks our country has ever seen.
“It changed the way we worked, it changed the way we looked at our surroundings, and it changed the way we understand what it meant to protect those around us,” said Reading Mayor Eddie Moran.
During a ceremony in City Park, Reading’s fire chief, who lived near DC at the time, shared his memories from that fateful day.
“I looked at one of my friends and said, ‘what are we getting ready to do?’ He said, ‘Rob, we’re heading to the Pentagon.’ When we got to the Pentagon, the things that I saw and the things that I smelled, I personally will never, ever forget,” says Reading Fire Chief Robert Leonard II.
The name of each FDNY firefighter who died on 9/11 was read aloud.
Many in attendance remembered the spirit of love and unity in the wake of the tragedy.
“Their sacrifice and resolve during the events that unfolded that day unified this country,” said Deputy Chief Aaron Demko with the Reading Police Dept.
Berks County held a service with speakers, songs, and patriotism outside of the services center.
People gathered to share stories, memories, honor the lives that were lost, and to Never Forget.