Tamaqua Legion hosts service to remember 9/11

Everyone of age remembers where he or she was on Sept. 11, 2001.

It was a day filled with terror, chaos and sadness; but it was also full of heroics, fearlessness and camaraderie.

The American Legion Post 173 hosted a service to remember the day that changed the lives of every American at the Southward Playground in Tamaqua, in memory of those who were lost, and those who tirelessly made a difference at ground zero 18 years ago.

A big crowd was on hand, as the program featured 16 guest speakers. Veterans, first responders, state representatives and local leaders joined the public at the playground.

Shelly Turner, whose mother started the memorial in 2002, opened the event by sharing a post she found online.

“I usually give and take days preparing a speech, but I saw a thing on Facebook that said people of today have forgotten,” she said. “We haven’t forgotten up here, and we’re never going to forget.”

Tamaqua Mayor Nathan Gerace was joined by Tamaqua children in leading the Pledge of Allegiance. After the Pledge, Sky Clouser beautifully sang the national anthem.

Many prayers were held during the event, which included the “Fireman’s Prayer” presented by Kim Shilko.

“When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage, give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age,” Shilko said in the prayer. “Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly, and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor and protect his property. And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hand my family, friends and wife.”

Michael J. Makovec, who was raised in Lake Hauto and graduated from Marian Catholic, delivered his speech to wrap up the memorial. Makovec graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point in 1995. He served in the United States Army for over eight years as a transportation and logistics officer.

Time flies by, but the memory of 9/11 will forever stand still. And Tamaqua will continue to respect and honor every American affected by the historically tragic event 18 years ago.