On a deadline Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, 2001, a call came into the newspaper office to turn on the small television, as a plane had crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.
Thinking it was an accident while watching the building burn, another plane came into the picture and crashed into the South Tower, just 18 minutes after the first one. “It’s a terror attack,” everyone concluded.
The reports got worse, as another jetliner struck the Pentagon in Washington, DC, at 9:43 a.m. followed by a fourth plane that crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA. The American people were shaken by the horror on that terrible day, 25 years ago.
Yet heroes gave their lives to save others, from the passengers who fought back and took over the flight heading to the U.S. Capitol to the police officers and the firefighters who ran into the burning buildings to rescue people.
By the end of the day 2,977 Americans and the 19 al-Qaeda terrorists who took over the planes were dead. The carnage ravaged New York City, killing 2,753 people including 343 NYFD firefighters and paramedics, 23 NYPD officers and 37 Port Authority police officers.
“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,” said Richard Dreby, the former Palmyra police chief and fire chief who currently serves the town as a councilman and the deputy fire chief.
“The 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,” said Dreby, one of the organizers of Palmyra’s annual 9/11 Memorial Service. “I admire each and every one that was involved on that god-forsaken day and think of them all the time.”
This year’s ceremony “honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice” will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Chief Payton Flournoy Memorial Park next to Borough Hall.
“As we prepare for this service, we are hoping to connect with members of our community who were personally affected by the events of September 11,” said Dreby, who can be reached at rdreby@boroughofpalmyra.com. “If you lost a family member, friend, or loved one, or have a personal connection to that day, we would be honored to hear from you.”
The service will honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and recognize the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call that day, he said, adding that it is sponsored by the Borough of Palmyra and for the Palmyra Fire Department, Police Department and the Palmyra Cinnaminson Emergency Medical Service.
The Honor Guard carrying the colors for the ceremony will consist of police, fire, and EMS representatives, and speakers include Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait and Chief Dan Norman of the Emergency Squad. The members of the Palmyra Ambulance Association who responded to New York City in the days following the attacks will be acknowledged for their service.
Residents are welcome to attend the service and honor those who gave their lives so that others might live on that tragic day 25 years ago. They will not be forgotten.
