The sun shone through the clouds following a thunderstorm Monday evening, as members of the Nesquehoning community gathered outside the Nesquehoning Memorial VFW Post 8008 to remember the over 3,000 men and women who lost their lives during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

The air of solemnness was evident, engulfed by the large American flag that hung from the Nesquehoning Hose Company and East Penn Township fire departments’ ladder trucks, framing the scene.

“Today is a somber day in U.S. history,” said Senior Vice Commander Roderick T. Bliss. “We were attacked by a group of terrorists, flying airplanes that day. We lost 3,000 people, 72 law enforcement officers, 343 firefighters, 55 military personnel. This attack was on American soil.

“The day known as 9/11 or Patriot’s Day was meant to remember those who died in those attacks. The phrase ‘Let’s roll,’ that goes with the resolve of some of the great heroes of that day. We know as Americans that America wasn’t built on fear, but it was built on courage. The acts on 9/11 shattered steel, but it cannot dent the steel of America. We may never know the answers to the questions that plague us after the attack, but I know it’s leaning on God and each other that we will be guided to a better, brighter future.”

Keynote speaker Michael Hrebik, a Panther Valley graduate and U.S. Marine currently serving as a police officer in Pottsville, said that Sept. 11, 2001 is a day that every American can remember where they were.

He was in Panther Valley Elementary School at the time.

“As a result of that event, many Americans answered the call to service, some of which are members of this post,” he said. “They truly are patriots and we are very proud to serve this country.”

He thanked the community for their continued support of area veterans, shown by the banners hanging throughout the town of hundreds of Hometown Heroes, and for all the events the VFW does.

Other speakers for the event included VFW Commander Craig Strohl; Mayor Tom Kattner; Auxiliary President Christa Acciarito; and the Rev. John Mylecraine, pastor of Meed’s Memorial United Methodist Church.

Mylecraine and his wife, Sheena, also provided blessings over all the emergency responders and their vehicles that were present at the service.