The Pittsburgh Shrine Center in Harmar hosts tribute to first responders on 9/11 anniversary

The Pittsburgh Shrine Center in Harmar hosted a tribute to first responders Saturday on the 20th anniversary of the events of 9/11.

Organizer and Shriner Robert Addleman began the ceremony introducing The Rev. John Piper from Castle Shannon, who let the crowd underneath the outdoor Shrine Pavilion in prayer, calling for unity as a nation as all in attendance reflected on the tragic events of Sept. 11.

“I’ll never forget,” said retired Pennsylvania state trooper Mark Ponsonby, 63, who volunteered his talents to sing the national anthem.

Ponsonby, of Richland Township, remembered working 20 years ago and hearing about the terrorist attacks.

He was soon called to serve alongside other officers, offering security detail for a week at the Flight 93 crash location near Shanksville, Somerset County.

“I went up in a helicopter and was able to see the impact of the plane on the field,” Ponsonby recalled. “It was extremely important for me to be here today.”

Volunteer and Shriner George White said the event served to welcome and honor all first responders from the Lower Valley .

“You are the first thing people encounter on the worst day of their life,” White said of first responders. “We thank you for your service.”

Springdale, West Deer, Lower Valley and Cheswick were some of the first responders in attendance.

All fire departments and ambulance services were invited to bring a vehicle to display. A mix of fire trucks, ambulances and police cruisers, many of them opened up for a closer look, were lined up along the entrance to the Shrine Center.

Attendees enjoyed a full lineup of live music that included performances by Curtis & The Shakerz, Norman Nardini, and Shades with Ed Kowalski of the Silencers.