The Philadelphia Protestant Home held its annual ceremony to remember the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 Americans were killed.
The ceremony included a moment of silence; an American flag raising and lowering; and appearances by the 2nd Police District, the Engine 64 fire truck, VMSC EMS, the offices of state Sen. Tina Tartaglione and state Rep. Anthony Bellmon and Lt. Cmdr Matthew Blackmon, the Officer in Charge at Naval Support Activity Philadelphia.
Blackmon recalled the words President George W. Bush used in his address to the nation on the night of the attacks. He said, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”
Resident Audrey Alston sang Blades of Glass and Pure White Stones and God Bless America, while Pastor Earl Scott offered an invocation and benediction. PPH board member Kathy Wersinger distributed American flags.
“May we never forget,” said Bill Conaway, PPH’s director of community relations.
Conaway thanked Philadelphia first responders, past and present, for showing “true courage.”
Meanwhile, PPH held a 9/11 Stair Climb Memorial Challenge to raise money for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Dozens of staff members and residents walked up and down five flights of stairs 11 times to equal 110 floors, the height of the World Trade Center Twin Towers. Walking up signified the first responders trying to rescue victims. Walking down signified workers trying to escape.
The event was organized by Maureen Solomon and Vincent Barrett, of PPH’s fitness and wellness team.
“Tomorrow is promised to no one,” Solomon said. ••
