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Bethlehem Catasauqua East Penn Northampton Northwestern Parkland Salisbury Whitehall-Coplay

Remembering 9/11

Published September 17. 2024 11:17AM
by Jim Marsh Special to the Press

Two Bethlehem Mounted Unit Police Officers were among a multitude of proud Americans gathered at the Mission BBQ restaurant in Whitehall Sept. 11 for a “Never Forget” remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the 9-11 attack.

Ceremony participants, included current and retired firefighters, police and military service veterans and their family members wearing a variety of patriotic garb, caps and vests with fire, police and veteran’s patches. And they carried lots and lots of American flags.

At exactly noon, honor guards snapped to attention, salutes and hands over hearts, honoring the singing of the national anthem by retired New York Police Department Officer Steven Santiago, who had served at Ground Zero Sept. 1, 2001.

After the attack, Santiago spent many days at the collapsed towers, providing security and support. He also participated in the efforts identifying victims of the attack. He retired after 20 years of service. Santiago is also a retired Army command sergeant major after 29 years of service with two overseas deployments.

A bagpiper at the Whitehall ceremony sounded appropriate dirges and upbeat memorial tunes, with many dabbing at falling tears.

After the ceremony, Mission BBQ served complimentary sandwiches to all in attendance.

PRESS PHOTOS BY JIM MARSHWhitehall and Catasauqua fire department aerial ladder trucks were used Sept. 11 to suspend a large U.S. flag for the annual 9-11 “Never Forget” remembrance ceremony at Mission BBQ, along Grape Street in Whitehall.
Corporal Steven Santiago, of the North Catasauqua Police Department, sang the national anthem at the 9-11 “Never Forget” remembrance ceremony at Mission BBQ. Santiago was a New York Police Department sergeant on duty at Ground Zero the day America was attacked in 2001.
An abundance of U.S. flags were evident among those attending the 9/11 “Never Forget” remembrance ceremony at Mission BBQ restaurant in Whitehall Sept. 11.
Beth Masiado, a volunteer with The Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police, with mounted patrol officers Justin Madera (left), mounted on Asa, and Ryan Danko, mounted on Star of Bethlehem.