Penn State Fayette remembers 9/11
Brittany Smith, 15, a member of the Laurel Highlands Junior ROTC unfolds a flag during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sunday at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
The Rev. Terry Sanders says a prayer during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sunday afternoon at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
The Rev. Wayne Gillespie, who works as a military family support group leader, spoke of the confusion he felt during the events that occurred on 9/11 during a ceremony Sunday at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, to make the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Gregory 鈥淢atty鈥� Ritch spoke of the heroism shown by first responders on 9/11 during a remembrance ceremony Sunday at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
In the photo above, members of the Laurel Highlands and Albert Gallatin Junior ROTC practice the changing of the flag ceremony prior to a 9/11 remembrance ceremony held Sunday at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. In the photo at right, retired U.S. Army Col. Gregory 鈥淢atty鈥� Ritch speaks of the heroism shown by first responders on 9/11. For more photos on the ceremony, see HeraldStandard.com.
Holly Tonini
American flags lined the roads at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, as the university paused to acknowledge the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
The ceremony, organized by the Human Development and Family Studies Association (HDFSA), was held to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on America.
Laurel Highlands and Albert Gallatin Junior ROTC members began with a changing of the flag ceremony, which was followed by a prayer given by the Rev. Terry Sanders.
Robert M. Ruggieri, president of HDFSA, said it was important the campus officially remembered the victims of 9/11 while thanking the first responders who saved thousands of lives that day and the military men and women who have been fighting the battle against terrorist ever since.
鈥淚, like all others, was touched by the events that occurred on Sept. 11. I think it was important that something was done here to remember what happened that day. Our country was changed forever, and we came together as a nation to support each other,鈥� Ruggieri said.
鈥淭o me, this ceremony had to happen. There were no ifs, ands or buts about it.鈥�
Ruggieri said HDFSA members volunteers their time and supplies to make the ceremony happen, and that Penn State Fayette administrators were supportive, as were local veteran organizations.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by about 150 people, were veteran and Penn State student Therman King; retired U.S. Army Col. Gregory 鈥淢atty鈥� Ritch; and the Rev. Wayne Gillespie, who does work as a military family support group leader.
A fallen soldier ceremony by the AMVETS and Vietnam Veterans Inc. closed the ceremony.