More than 100 people gathered in the Chief Payton Flournoy Memorial Park to remember those who were lost in the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, during the solemn Palmyra 9/11 Memorial Service on the 25th anniversary of that tragic day.
Master of Ceremonies Richard Dreby welcomed everyone who came out on a beautiful Friday evening, and thanked the Riverton Fire Department for putting up the large United States flag suspended from a fire truck as a backdrop.
Following the Presentation of Colors by members of the Palmyra Police and Fire Departments and an invocation by Pastor Breanna Tessitore of the Bethany Lutheran Church, Simon Jacobs and Olivia Gallagher sang a powerful rendition of the National Anthem.
Councilman Dreby then introduced the guest speakers, beginning with Palmyra Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait, who was pleased by the turnout of so many residents.
“We should never forget people who go running into situations to save people. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken that day,” said the mayor, who praised the extraordinary courage of the firefighters, police and EMTs climbing up the stairs to save lives and the passengers on Flight 93.
“Our nation came together after 9/11. Our greatest strength has always been unity. The sacrifices made that day are never forgotten,” Mayor Tait said and then asked for a Moment of Silence to remember the victims.
The next speakers were two members of the Palmyra, Riverton, Cinnaminson EMS who responded to ground zero in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001 – Eva Schultz and John Quigg.
“John and I responded that day and were assigned to ground zero,” Schultz said. “I prefer to remember the good I saw that day. We did not sleep. People were picking through the rubble hoping to find someone alive. I will always be touched by the love and goodness of all those involved.”
“We sent up crews for the next two weeks,” Quigg said. “I remember the clapping, the signs and the thanks by everyone as we arrived. We were 30 feet from ground zero of the South Tower. My life has changed forever. I remember the sights, smells, dirt and devastation.”
After their emotional speeches, EMS Chief Dan Norman, Palmyra Fire Chief Mike Stokes and Palmyra Police Chief Stephen Coveleski read passages about firefighters who perished from the book “Portraits, 9/11, 2001.”
To end the ceremony Nicholas Rodd played “Taps,” retired Evesham police sergeant Tom Campbell played a somber, beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes and Pastor Daved Confer, retired pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church, gave the benediction.
Dreby concluded the Memorial Service saying, “Thanks for coming out tonight. May God bless you and God bless America.”
Riverton Mayor Jim Quinn, who was in attendance, said. “We are one big community. Remembering those who we lost on that day is important to them and their memory.”
In a previous interview Dreby, who also served as Palmyra Police Chief and Fire Chief and is currently the Deputy Fire Chief, said, “The bravery of the men and women of the NYFD, NYPD, and Port Authority Police goes well beyond the call of duty. They did not hesitate to make the entry to save countless lives while giving of their own.
“Their effort was a tremendous feat and to face the danger that was before them just shows the type of people that get into these various professions,” Dreby said. “I admire each and every one that was involved on that god-forsaken day and think of them all the time.”
Bagpiper Tom Campbell plays “Amazing Grace” during the Palmyra 9/11 Memorial Service at Chief Payton Flournoy Park.
Members of the Palmyra Police and Fire Departments present the colors before more than 100 people gathered in Chief Payton Flournoy Park on Sept. 11, 2026, 25 years after the horrible terrorist attack
Eva Schultz, a life member of the Palmyra, Riverton, Cinnaminson EMS who responded to ground zero on Sept. 11, 2001 along with fellow member John Quiqq, describes her experiences on that tragic day.
