Published September 18. 2024 11:59AM
Mission BBQ hosts 9/11 remembrance
A multitude of proud Americans, including current and retired firefighters, police and military service veterans and their family members, gathered at Mission BBQ, 1421 Grape St., Whitehall, Sept. 11 for a “Never Forget” remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America.
Ceremony participants wore a variety of patriotic garb, caps and vests with fire, police and veterans patches. Many carried a number of American stars and stripes flags.
At exactly noon, honor guards came to attention, offering salutes and hands over hearts, for the singing of the national anthem by a retired New York Police Department officer who served at ground zero. That officer is now a corporal in the North Catasauqua Police Department.
Bagpiper Gene Kutzler, of Northampton, sounded appropriate dirges and memorial tunes, with many dabbing at falling tears.
After the ceremony, which occurs every year on the 9/11 anniversary, Mission BBQ served complimentary sandwiches to all in attendance.
PRESS PHOTOS BY JIM MARSHAn abundance of U.S. flags are evident among those attending the 9/11 “Never Forget” remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at Mission BBQ, 1421 Grape St., Whitehall.
Cpl. Steven Santiago, of the North Catasauqua Police Department, sings the national anthem during the event. Santiago was a New York Police Department sergeant on duty at ground zero when America was attacked in 2001.
PRESS PHOTOS BY JIM MARSHWhitehall and Catasauqua fire department aerial ladder trucks suspend a large U.S. flag for the annual 9/11 “Never Forget” remembrance ceremony at Mission BBQ Sept. 11.
Colleen Wagner, of Whitehall Township, attends the event in patriotic fashion. Her son Trey is a Whitehall firefighter who participated in the ceremony.
