Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Here are events planned in the Lehigh Valley to commemorate the event and the lives lost in New York, Washington, D.C., and Somerset County, Pa.
Lehigh University Remembrance of Sept. 11: Conducted by the Steel Battalion Color Guard. The Lehigh University Student Senate will provide miniature flags for attendees to place on the lawn. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday, Clayton University Center Lawn Flagpole, Asa Packer Campus, 29 Trembley Drive, Bethlehem.
SteelStacks Patriot Day: Starts with a performance of the national anthem at 6:45 p.m. Friday by U.S. Navy veteran Velvet Salgado followed by a “Time to Remember” ceremony and a performance by the band The Aardvarks. Also, Hometown Heroes banner display, showcasing the amazing men and women who make a difference in our community. artsquest.org.
Annual Community 9/11 Remembrance Service: The Upper and Lower Macungie Township Emergency Service Organizations remember all fellow first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as all individuals who either perished or were injured in these attacks. 6 p.m. Friday in front of the Good Will Fire Co. No. 1 of Trexlertown, 7723 Hamilton Boulevard. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held inside the apparatus bays.
The service will include a wreath and bell ceremony by first responders, remarks from Sen. Jarrett Coleman, musical selections by Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corp, local vocalists, bagpipers and the playing of taps by a representative from Bugles Across America. Emergency vehicles will be on display and available for tours after the event. At the conclusion of the service, all attendees are invited for refreshment and fellowship inside our social hall.
Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Friday, City Hall Plaza, Allentown. Gather to remember and honor the lives lost and recognize the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who answered the call.
Red, White & Blue Mass: Begins at 8:46 a.m. Friday in remembrance of the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, 1825 W. Turner St., Allentown. Remarks from Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne, M.D., a retired U.S. Army colonel, board-certified surgeon, and consecrated religious of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary follow Mass. Sister Dede was present at Ground Zero, providing medical assistance, supplies, and support to responders amidst the ruins of the towers. RSVP: stewardship@allentowndiocese.org.
The Climb: Students from Freedom and Liberty High Schools participate, which will include climbing the stadium steps, walking the track, learning about the events of Sept. 11, engaging with local firefighters and creating commemorative flags honoring people who have inspired them, served our country or made a difference in their lives. The goal is to climb 2,200 stairs, symbolizing 110 flights of stairs in one of the World Trade Center Towers or walk 3 miles around the track. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, Bethlehem Area School District Stadium, 1115 Linden St., Bethlehem.
South Whitehall 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: First responders will gather at 8:15 a.m. Friday for a special ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Greenawalds Fire Department will recognize a significant piece of Sept. 11 history that has become part of the department’s collection, a piece of structural steel from the World Trade Center. Greenwalds Fire Co., 2500 Focht Ave., Allentown.
“The Future of Our Past: A Conversation about Tragedy and Community Healing”: Conversation and stories from the firsthand accounts of Lyndon Harris, former Ground Zero priest who served at Saint Paul’s Chapel in New York City in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. 7 p.m. Sunday, Christ Lutheran Church, 69 Main Street, Hellertown. Free.
Never Forget Ride: Commemorates the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Cyclists can choose from three routes — metric century, 62 miles; the original Never Forget ride, 43 miles; and a 20-mile route. Opening ceremonies 8:30 a.m. Sept. 20, Woodstone Country Club, 3777 Dogwood Road, Danielsville. Cyclists depart at 9 a.m. and return to Woodstone Country Club for a community celebration, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring 9/11 tribute corvette, Jack the Mack, live music, Miss Teen PA, military recruiters, e-bike test rides. Info: 610-462-6830, neverforgetride.org