Editor’s note: This week, we welcome Borough of Greencastle Mayor Ben Thomas Jr. to Local.News. Ben will provide a regular Greencastle Update column.
If you are of a certain age, you certainly remember that day—where you were, your thoughts,concerns and the sacrifices made that day and in the past 21 years.
“Never Forget!” Greencastle remembers September 11, 2001, when this great nation was attacked in New York City, the Pentagon and in rural Somerset County at Shanksville. The attacks occurred at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m. and 10:03 a.m.; 2,996 civilians, firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers and military personnel died that day.
Thousands were injured, with many more paying the ultimate sacrifice in our military and from illnesses caused by the September 11th attacks. The physical and mental trauma continues today. The borough will recognize the historic day with the following activities:
Saturday, Sept. 10 Walk: Consider joining the Mayor at 8:30 a.m. for a walk from Eastern Avenue to Center square, then to the Greencastle-Antrim Veteran’s Memorial at 60 N. Washington St. (using the sidewalks) to simulate the 110 floors (2,071 steps) of the World Trade Center that firefighters, police officers, EMS providers, and civilians climbed and descended to saving many citizens that morning.
We’ll honor our men and women who are serving, have served and sacrificed so much for our freedoms we take for granted. The walk will end at the Veteran’s Memorial where a moment of silence and remembrance will be held for A Gathering: Never Forget: We Remember with reflections and a prayer offered to culminate the 9/11 WALK. A retired FDNY fire engine will participate as well.
All veterans, emergency services personnel, citizens and families are invited to participate in the walk or a portion thereof, or you may bring lawn chairs to North Washington Street by 9 a.m. A portion of North Washington Street will be closed briefly for the remembrance.
Saturday, Sept. 17, Fish with a Cop. This annual event is held at the Greencastle Sportsmen’s Farm lake and sponsored by the Greencastle Police Department as organized by Officer Jim Bradley.
Saturday, Sept. 17, Blue Grass Concert/Presentation of the Colors. A live patriotic blue grass concert will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. featuring the D&S Bluegrass Band at the Jerome R. King Bandshell off Mifflin Lane. The Colors will be presented at the beginning of each concert by the VFW and American Legion Joint Color guard. Bring a lawn chair for this free concert as we commemorate 9/11. The Nelson Pavilion will also be available for citizens to use.
Other things to do:
Encourage a weekend of unity and good deeds. Citizens and groups are encouraged to help neighbors, family members and those in need this weekend with a good deed by helping around their homes and properties or just by visiting showing love and support.
Fly the U.S. flag. Please fly the flag for this weekend of unity in G-A and beyond.
Ben Thomas Jr. is the Mayor of the Borough of Greencastle. He provides regular updates on Greencastle and beyond.
