Heroism, unity theme of Lower Burrell 9/11 service

When people gather to remember the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of 9/11, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether others remember where they were when they heard the news.

But the more appropriate question, said Lower Burrell No. 3 Fire Chief Brennan Sites, is if people remember how they felt that day.

“Do you remember the fear, the pain, the sadness?” Sites said during the Lower Burrell American Legion Post 868’s annual 9/11 remembrance service Wednesday. “Do you remember the anger and the resolve? Do you remember busy phone lines as you tried to get a hold of your friends and family, being glued to the TV or radio for updates, and hugging those extra tight when you went to bed?”

Sites recalled watching footage and interviews with New York firefighters before they ascended to the floors of the World Trade Center, knowing the odds were stacked against them. Of those that died on Sept. 11, 2001, 343 were firefighters.

Today’s firefighters look at the first responders killed on 9/11 “with the utmost respect, admiration and honor,” Sites said.

“In the wake of devastation, a new day emerged in our great country,” Sites said. “Our nation, which is often deeply divided by petty political differences, united as one.”

He asked people to remember how they felt not only on 9/11 but also the day after.

“We are blessed to be Americans,” he said. “We are so much stronger when we are united.”

State Rep. Abby Major, R-Leechburg, and Lower Burrell Mayor Chris Fabry, who also spoke at the ceremony, called for unity. Major said 9/11 tested America’s resilience but also revealed a “profound sense of unity.”

Personally, it inspired Major to join the military.

“Amidst this tragedy, we witnessed remarkable acts of courage and compassion. Our country stood as one, transcending all divisions,” Major said. “This unity was not only a response to the crisis, it was a beacon of hope for the whole world who was watching.”

Fabry said the days following 9/11 included people looking out for one another and taking pride in the United States.

“Our country has been divided for too long,” Fabry said, “and events like September 11th should serve as a reminder that we do better united than divided.”