Special ceremony to be held for Sept. 11 victims in Connellsville
CONNELLSVILLE – State, county and local officials will take part in a special ceremony Wednesday at Veteran’s Plaza, next to the city municipal building, to honor those killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “We must not forget all of those who gave their lives for this great country,” said Don Burkholder, American Legion 24th District Adjutant. “We must also remember those who continue to give of themselves daily while fighting for our freedom.”
The service, under the direction of American Legion Posts 301 and 762 and other veteran organizations, will begin at 8:45 a.m. with the ringing of area church bells to mark the time the first airliner crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center one year ago.
The local places of worship have agreed to take part by tolling the bells to commemorate the times of the four attacks.
Connellsville Mayor Judy Reed, along with state Rep. James Shaner (D-Dunbar), Fayette County Judge John Wagner and Fayette County Commissioner Vincent Vicites will serve as keynote speakers.
The Connellsville Area High School band and the New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Company bagpipers will provide the music for the service.
The Connellsville Veterans Commission, VFW Post 21 and the American Legion Post 301 will present Reed with an American Commemorative Flag and a Blue Star Banner, a symbol of service. The flag, which includes the New York City skyline, and banner are to be displayed in council chambers.
Burkholder, who will serve as master of ceremonies, said police, fire and emergency personnel will be represented, along with members of Company D, 1st Battalion, 103rd Armor of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard based in Connellsville.
More than 40 members of the local unit are providing security at U.S. military installations in Europe and Germany.
“I believe it will be a very nice service,” said Burkholder. “I am hoping that people will take time out of their busy schedules to attend and honor those who died and in support of those fighting the war on terror.”
Other services being conducted in the city throughout the day include the following:
– Connellsville Area Ministerial Association will conduct a noon service at the Connellsville United Presbyterian Church, located at 711 S. Pittsburgh St.
– The Solid Rock Church, 712 E. Crawford Ave., will host a 7 p.m. service that will include music, ministry and sharing.
– Connellsville Church of God, 126 Breakneck Road, will conduct a special remembrance service at 7 p.m.
– Calvary Assembly of God Church, 1316 S. Pittsburgh St., invites the community to participate in a 7 p.m. remembrance service, with the Rev. Marc Rose as guest speaker.
– Students from Conn Area Catholic will do a memorial service at St. Aloysius in Dunbar at 10 a.m.