Published September 20. 2023 11:41AM
Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, military veterans and those who call themselves “just patriotic Americans” gathered for the Never Forget memorial ceremony to honor those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on America. The ceremony was held Sept. 11 in the parking lot of Mission BBQ, 1421 Grape St., Whitehall.
The ceremony started with the national anthem, followed by a fusillade of rifle fire and a bugler playing taps and concluded with the pensive wail of a bagpiper. The simple service had no long speeches or commentary but included many American flags waving in the crowd and a large flag suspended between two fire company aerial ladder trucks.
The ceremony has taken place at Mission BBQ since the restaurant opened at its Grape Street location seven years ago.
After the ceremony, veterans and first responders in attendance lined up for a free sandwich courtesy of the restaurant.
Many attendees come to this event each year to shed tears, reminisce and proclaim thanks for the country they live in and for those who serve to protect their families.
Press Photos by Jim Marsh Kaysie Bauder, president and a firefighter at Eastern Salisbury Fire Department, sings the national anthem at the Never Forget ceremony, held Sept. 11 at Mission BBQ, 1421 Grape St., Whitehall. Also pictured are Nancy Smith, Mission BBQ ambassador, and Colby Jones, the restaurant's manager.
Military veterans salute at the ceremony as bugler Chris Matthews, a member of the Allentown Police Department Honor Guard, plays taps.
Members of the Bethlehem Police Department's mounted unit salute during the singing of the national anthem at the memorial service.
