By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

As a procession of some 80 people walked toward the eternal flame at Ontelaunee Park, the weight of 9/11 was shared by all in attendance.

A few minutes later, Civil Air Patrol Squadron 805, under the direction of Cadet Program Officer Vincent Russ, hoisted the flag signaling the beginning of the ceremony.

Remembrance was the first order of business for the Cetronia Ambulance Corps which contacted the squadron requesting an appearance as an appropriate way to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Corps members were at the park for their alumni reunion and picnic.

“It’s an honor to be here to strengthen our roots,” Cetronia Ambulance Corps Executive Director Robert Mateff said. “We learn from each other and share with each other, remembering those who fell before us on Sept. 11.”

Quoting the Bible, Jeff Trexler offered a moment of thanks and prayer.

“The Lord stood by my side and gave me strength,” he said. “And, I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.”

A moment of silence for the departed and those who lost their lives on 9/11 followed.

Kim Tagg played several pieces of music throughout the ceremony.

Taps signaled the end of the remembrance.

“This is for the ambulance corps,” she said.

“My husband has been a member for a very long time.”

Twenty young people comprise the squadron.

“I work with our squadron commander to make sure everything is ready for events like this one,” Russ said.

“I’m also in charge of the honor guard.”

“We’re actually doing another one later today in Northampton,” said Roxie Lesisko, mother of one of the cadets and supporter of the program. “Most of the boys are in high school, but two of them are in middle school. This teaches them respect.”