Sep 12, 2008 4 min read

As a flag hoisted atop the ladder of the Connellsville Fire Department truck waved in the morning breeze, veterans from past and present wars bowed their heads in respect and first responders, city and county officials along with residents placed their hand over their hearts, a bell tolled as master of ceremonies and Vietnam veteran Gerald Browell recalled the events of Sept. 11, 2001. “It began in New York City at 8:46 a.m. when American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the World Trade Center North Tower One,” he said. “At 9:02 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the World Trade Center South Tower Two.

“The scene then changes to Arlington, Virginia, where at 9:37 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon.”

The scene then moves to a rural Somerset County farm, he continued.

“At 10:06 a.m., a third location joins New York and Arlington in history as United Airlines Flight 93 crashes in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania,” said Browell.

The nearly 3,000 lives lost that day represented 95 nations and territories.

“We must never forget,” said Browell.

The immediate response by a multitude of police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians to the three scenes of mass devastation with no thought for personal safety is typical of those that choose to serve in those professions, said keynote speaker Connellsville Police Chief Ed McSheffrey.

“First responders don’t consider what they do as a sacrifice,” he said. “It is what we always wanted to be, who we are and in most cases, what we are paid to do.”

While their response is not always welcome, a police officer would lay down his life to protect another.

“While some may dislike us today, one thing for sure, we would not hesitate tomorrow to risk our lives to save yours,” said McSheffrey.

Volunteer firefighters, too, are called upon to respond day and night, miss dinners and family celebrations in order to help those in need

“These men and women come out when most are in bed sleeping,” said McSheffrey. “They fight fires in freezing temperatures and sweltering heat.

“I’ve seen men fight a fire all night, go home to take a shower and then go to work for eight hours and possibly have to do it again the next day.”

The paramedics and emergency medical technicians, too, continue to unselfishly serve their communities.

“I’ve witnessed our local paramedics and EMTs perform their job; they come out anytime you call and work in any condition,” said McSheffrey. “I’ve seen three and sometimes five emergency medical workers cram into space, trying to start an intravenous line or open airway when every second counts.”

There were many heroes on 9/11, said McSheffrey, but those that reflect the meaning of the word in its truest form were those aboard Flight 93.

“Those 40 passengers and crewmembers made sure that plane never had a chance to reach its intended target,” he said. “In doing so, saved a untold number of lives and devastation.”

Today, new heroes have emerged and are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq where more than 4,000 have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the nation safe from another terrorist attack.

McSheffrey said that veterans of past wars also are due continued respect for their sacrifice and continual service to the community.

“Even today, they give so much of their time to ensure we can all enjoy the parades and memorial services that they organize throughout the year so we remember why this is such a great nation,” he said.

Also taking part in the ceremony was the Rev. Dean Meyers, pastor of the First Baptist Church; American Legion Post 301 vice-president and service officer James Smith and post secretary Thomas McFadden; the Connellsville Veterans Commission Honor Guard and the Connellsville Area Senior High School Symphonic Band under the direction of Tim Martin.

Also, the American Legion Riders, Connellsville Police Department, Connellsville Police Auxiliary, Connellsville Fire Department, New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Department, Connellsville Township Volunteer Fire Co., Fayette EMS, Fayette County Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink, Connellsville City Treasurer Judy Keller and Connellsville City Controller Jean Wrote.