CLEARFIELD – “We can never forget what happened that day. That day they saw an angel cry,” said chaplain Gary Jewart before reciting the poem that explained the angel crying was the rescue workers at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Afterward, a bell was tolled in remembrance for those lost.
On Tuesday night the Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department hosted a ceremony to remember those whose lives were lost in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Representatives of fire departments, emergency services and police from Clearfield, Goshen, Hyde, Curwensville, Glen Richey and Karthaus participated in ceremony. Guest speakers included state Rep. Camile “Bud” George, Clearfield Borough Mayor Patty Gilliland, the Rev. Rodger Gorton, CLP and Fire Chaplain Gary Jewart, police officer Dan Farley, Terry Wigfield and Sue Lanich who sat on a stage with two fire engines supporting a flag between their buckets.
“Today we memorialize our heroes not just to remember, but to prove we will be triumphant,” said George, likening 9-11 to the attack at Pearl Harbor.
“I want to personally thank firefighters, EMS workers, police and health service workers,” said Gilliland after reading a statement from state Sen. Joe Scarnatti, R-25, who was unable to attend due to a family situation and giving a speech of her own.
“Yes over 3,000, 400 of which were public officials, died that day, but we need to remember thousands more were saved because of the public service people,” said Farley, a veteran, who also went on into the struggles of the military and their families.
The tone for the rest of the speeches were in a similar vein, the exceptions being a few speeches focusing on faith and the impact of 9-11 on it.
“9-11 was an act of human barbarity. Not divine judgment,” said Gorton. He also added that those who use religion as a weapon are no different no matter which faith they belong to.
Between each of the speakers a song would be played. Two of the songs including “Do you Remember?” by Allan Jackson and “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. Toward the end of the ceremony, prayers from fire fighters, police officers and EMTs were read instead.
“Beautiful. Very moving,” said Ruby Maines of Woodland of the ceremony.
A wreath was set up in memory of soldiers. At the end a small bell was rung several times before the honor guard of the Clearfield Veterans of Foreign Wars gave a gun salute.
“I wish more of the public would have joined,” responded Lanich after the ceremony.