Members of the Lehighton United Veterans Organization led the 9/11 Memorial Service on Sunday.

The service was moved into Zion UCC at 2nd and Iron streets because of the possibility of inclement weather. The guest speaker was Air Force veteran Dr. Keith “Jake” Boyer.

Lehighton UVO Commander Kevin Long led the service, offering his own reflections on why it is important to remember what happened on Sept. 11, 2001.

“We, the members of the Lehighton UVO feel it is very important that we continue to do this every year for a time of reflection and remember the sacrifices made on that fateful day on Sept. 11, 22 years ago.”

“Sadly, there are those that have little memory of what happened that day; either because of being very young or not yet born. This is the very reason why we gather here today to remember and never forget the events that forever changed our nation and our world.”

Guest speaker Boyer served in the U.S. Air Force, and served in Japan and Vietnam. He holds a degree in educational administration and has worked a variety of positions in local education. He is also a strong advocate for area veterans.

“The day is forever embedded in all our memories,” Boyer said. “The pain, the terror, and the tremendous loss as well as the incredible displays of courage that were also witnessed on that day and in the days to come.”

Boyer said 2,977 people lost their lives.

Two jetliners slammed into the Twin Towers of the New York Trade Center. Another crashed into the Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia. Passengers aboard a fourth airplane helped avert even more destruction by gaining control of their airplane which was headed for either the White House or the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

“As a result, the plane and its onboard ‘heroes’ crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board,” Boyer said.

“So on this day, not only remember the losses but let it stand as a day for renewal and for resolution for each and every American to pledge our devotion to his great country.”

He said we should remember the past sacrifices and think about future generations of Americans.

“We must stand together and defend with all our hearts those qualities that make us unique in all the world. Everything depends on We The People.”

Lehighton UVO Chaplain Carl Heydt offered the invocation and benediction.

A salute to the Armed Forces featured the theme songs for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Members of the UVO served as color guard and offered a rifle salute and taps.

“Every time we give numbers,” Long said, “We have to remember that the numbers have faces. The numbers have family and friends and loved ones. Let us never forget them.”