Communities across Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and Washington County, Maryland, will hold remembrance events in September to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
On that morning, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners. American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were flown into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members fought back against the hijackers.
The attacks killed 2,977 people from 90 countries, including 2,753 people in New York, 184 at the Pentagon and 40 people aboard Flight 93.
The attacks reshaped daily life in the United States, bringing lasting changes to airport screening, emergency preparedness, intelligence sharing and national security. Congress created the Department of Homeland Security, which brought together 22 agencies and offices in March 2003, while the Transportation Security Administration assumed major responsibility for transportation security.
Local observances will honor civilians, military personnel and first responders killed in the attacks, as well as those who served in the response, recovery efforts and military operations that followed.
Hagerstown ceremony set for Sept. 8
The Washington County Office of Emergency Management will host its annual “Remembrance in the Park” memorial ceremony at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the Washington County Emergency Services Tribute Gardens at Hagerstown City Park.
The ceremony will recognize the lives lost on Sept. 11 and honor first responders, law enforcement officers, service members, emergency personnel, volunteers and citizens who have dedicated themselves to protecting their communities.
Residents, families, veterans, local organizations and emergency responders are invited to attend. Attendees should bring chairs. Handicap parking will be available, although space will be limited.
The event is sponsored by Washington County Emergency Management, the Washington County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Hagerstown. For information, contact the county’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at [email protected].
Boonsboro parade planned Sept. 11
Clopper-Michael American Legion Post 10 will join first responders, veterans, military organizations and community groups for Boonsboro’s 25th annual 9/11 Remembrance Parade on Friday, Sept. 11.
Organized by the First Hose Company of Boonsboro, the parade will travel along historic Main Street. Fire and rescue companies, law enforcement agencies, veterans organizations, military groups and other community participants are expected to take part.
The event will honor firefighters, emergency responders, law enforcement officers and civilians killed in the Sept. 11 attacks, while also recognizing U.S. military members, including those who died while serving the country.
Organizers have listed differing start times. The Town of Boonsboro’s event calendar lists a 6:30 p.m. start, while an invitation from Clopper-Michael American Legion Post 10 lists 6 p.m. Residents planning to attend should confirm the start time with organizers before traveling.
Greencastle walk scheduled Saturday
Greencastle Mayor Ben Thomas Jr. will lead the Mayor’s 9/11 Walk of Unity at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.
Participants will gather on Eastern Avenue near the John L. Grove Medical Center, south of East Baltimore Street, before beginning the walk. The route will end at the Greencastle-Antrim Veterans Memorial in front of Greencastle Police Headquarters, 60 N. Washington St.
A brief remembrance program will begin at 9 a.m. at the memorial. Residents unable to complete the walking route may meet at the memorial for the program.
The 2,071-step route is intended to symbolize the community’s commitment to remembering those killed in the attacks and reflecting on the unity and service that followed. The program will honor civilians, firefighters, emergency medical service providers, police officers and military personnel who died on Sept. 11, as well as people who died or faced lasting health effects connected to recovery work.
The event is open to all ages, although children should be accompanied by an adult. Organizers said the program may change because of weather conditions.
Waynesboro service to include procession
An emergency vehicle procession and 9/11 memorial service are planned Friday, Sept. 11, in Waynesboro and Washington Township.
The emergency vehicle procession will depart at 8:46 a.m. from the Moose Lodge, 908 W. Main St., Waynesboro, and is scheduled to arrive at Red Run Park, 12143 Buchanan Trail E., at 9:37 a.m.
The memorial service will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. at Red Run Park. State Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin) and state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin/Adams) are scheduled to participate, and the observance will include a wreath-laying ceremony.
The outdoor service will have limited seating, and attendees are encouraged to arrive before 9:30 a.m. and bring chairs if possible. Community members also are invited to fly American flags, display patriotic tributes and line the procession route with flags.
The event is supported by Washington Township Police, the Washington Township Board of Supervisors and township staff, the Borough of Waynesboro, Waynesboro police, fire and emergency medical agencies, WellSpan Health Services and other local organizations and individuals. Organizers said updates and weather-related changes will be posted on the Washington Township Police Department’s Facebook page.
Letterkenny chapel service planned
A public memorial service and chapel tours are planned Friday, Sept. 11, at the Franklin County Historic Letterkenny Chapel and 9/11 Memorial Park, 2171 Carbaugh Ave., Chambersburg.
The memorial service will be held from 7:30 to 8 a.m. inside the chapel. The Rev. Renata Mosely Harper and Chaplain Andrew Hart will serve as spiritual leaders for the program.
Following the service, visitors may tour the historic chapel at no charge. The chapel is one of four surviving chapels built by Italian prisoners of war, according to the community announcement.
Visitors also may view the site’s 9/11 memorial, which includes twisted steel girders from the World Trade Center, and walk through the adjacent veterans park recognizing local military service.
