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Details released on event planned to commemorate 25th anniversary of 9/11

By Matt Churella 4 min read

A moving observance rooted in faith, patriotism and civic pride will take place Sept. 11 at the Jaffa Shrine Center to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, officials said during a press conference Wednesday.

Patrick White, a past president of the Friends of Flight 93 nonprofit organization, who is also the cousin of Flight 93 passenger Louis J. Nacke II, will be the keynote speaker.

Doors for the event will open at 6 p.m., with the Altoona Community Band and the Orpheus Singers of State College performing on the shrine's lanai, just in front of the main entrance, at about 6:15 p.m.

Inside the center, about 6:40 p.m., officials will host a walk of honor saluting local first responders alongside the Gold Star Families taking part in the event, which is free and open for the public to attend.

During that time, the Hollidaysburg Community Chorus will perform three songs along with the walk of honor, and the Altoona Area High School drum line will perform during the presentation of the colors, according to Pam Etters, a local artist who produced the program.

The program itself will start promptly at 7 p.m. with Kera O'Bryon performing the National Anthem and Carolyn Donaldson delivering the welcome message, Etters said, noting the event is expected to last about 90 minutes.

It'll be a mixture of commemorative performances by nationally recognized and local musicians, including Victory Brinker, O'Bryon, Jim White, Brandis Ajay and the Blair Concert Chorale in addition to prayers by Altoona-Johnstown Diocese Bishop Mark Bartchak and the Rev. Gary Dull of Faith Baptist Church throughout the evening, Etters said.

Patrick White is expected to present after a Flight 93 memorial video is shown and O'Bryon performs "God Bless America," according to Etter's tentative schedule for the program.

"We feel that the way he can share his story and the impact it has made on him and his extended family will be something that the community will appreciate and allow us to continue to grow in remembrance of this tragic event," Etters said during the press conference, which is available to watch in its entirety on the Mirror's YouTube channel.

The program will end with performances by Jim White, the playing of bagpipes by Jason Wagner, taps by Bob Baranik and the retrieval of colors, Etters said.

Always remember

One of the reasons why Etters got involved with the local 9/11 anniversary committee is because she wants her children to understand why the nation has such reverence and respect for its first responders.

While it's important to "never forget" the acts of terror that occurred on that day, Etters said it's becoming even more important to educate the next generation about the courage, compassion and resilience that emerged from it.

"This is about remembering the people who are always there waiting for when something like this may or may not happen," Etters said of the event.

In his remarks, Mayor Matt Pacifico said Sept. 11, 2001, is now a chapter in a history book for many young Americans rather than a personal memory, making events -- like the committee's program at the Jaffa Shrine -- even more meaningful and important to attend.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that the stories of sacrifice, service and unity are passed onto future generations, so they understand both what was lost and what was gained through the unwavering spirit of the American people," Pacifico said.

While a quarter of a century has passed, memories of 9/11 remain vivid with Blair County President Judge Wade Kagarise, who was a 28-year-old prosecutor in the District Attorney's office on that day.

"I can remember vividly to this day where I was in my office and what I was doing, the particular issue I was working on, when I learned about the planes crashing in New York," Kagarise said. "It really changed my life from that point forward."

Former Mayor Allan Hancock, one of the event's sponsors, said seeing images of first responders running into burning buildings has stuck with him through the years.

Etters said she was a Penn State University student when the events of 9/11 took place. She remembers waking up that morning and seeing her roommates stare at their television.

"I initially thought they were watching a movie, and then we realized that this was indeed real life," Etters said. "The impact of that day... I will never forget."

Altoona businessman Duane Bordell is the 9/11 anniversary committee's chairman. He anticipates thousands of people will gather Friday, Sept. 11, at the Jaffa Shrine for the event.

The city's residents, veterans, first responders, civic organizations and visitors are all invited to attend at no cost, Bordell said.

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.

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