Tamaqua's 9/11 Remembrance service was a fitting tribute to the men and women who died in the 2001 terror attacks on America, with special emphasis on the phrase "Never Forget." The event was held at the South Ward Playground, hosted by the playground association, and concluded with a special tribute to William "Pappy" Jones.

Monday evening's service started with an invocation by Pastor Ed Noftz of New Life Assembly of God Church, followed by Major Sharon Whispell of the Tamaqua Salvation Army recounting the aftermath of the attack, when she was one of the volunteers helping in recovery efforts.Tyler Calkins of the South Ward Fire Company recited "The Fireman's Prayer."Guest speakers included Schuylkill County Commissioners Gary Hess and George Halcovage, Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman, District Magisterial Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison, Tamaqua Councilman Micah Gursky, Tamaqua mayoral candidate Nathan Gerace, U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Amanda Kerr, retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Lynn, and U.S. Army Maj. Scott Sparrow.Commissioner Hess noted the importance of such remembrance ceremonies. "As the years go by, there is a new generation that grows every year, that were not here that day. We need these services to continue to remember, educate and tell the story of the day when our freedom was tested."Commissioner Halcovage spoke of the way the nation comes together in times of trouble."When times get tough, we all come together. We have more similarities than differences. That's what makes the United States, Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County and Tamaqua so special."Judge Bayer provided the statistics from that fateful day when 1,300 children became orphans.There were 403 first responder deaths; 658 employees lost by a single company, Cantor Fitzgerald; 1,609 people who lost a spouse; 3.051 children who lost a parent; and 115 nations represented in the death toll.He also noted the number of hours the organizers of the event have spent putting together programs over the past 15 years."Jackie and Bill Jones and their family - Shelly (Bonser), Michelle (Mehallic), Lee (Calkins) and Georgianne (Machay) - have spent more than 1,050 hours helping us remember."Gursky encouraged those present to "seek out the positive things in your community. Get involved. Look at these photos behind me (the Jones family). What you see there is love. So, give your kids and grandkids a hug tonight. Tell them about Sept. 11 and focus not just on the tragedy, but the response."First Sgt. Kerr pointed out that while the motto of the day is "Never Forget," most "people do, to a point."Kerr said, "Most everyone goes back to their daily lives, while others will never feel that normalcy again. Usually, most people go to sleep peacefully in their own beds, not worrying about what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, but, I can promise you there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines all over the world who will always remember that day."She thanked the Vietnam veterans in the audience who did not receive a warm welcome home after their military service."You guys are the real heroes," Kerr said.Dollinda Linkhorst sang several patriotic songs, encouraging the audience to join her.Becky Hartranft played taps to end the official ceremony.Organizers then handed out red, white and blue balloons for the tribute to "Pappy" Jones, who died earlier this year. He and his wife, Cecilia "Jackie" Jones were instrumental in creating the remembrance service. Their children and grandchildren will carry on in their stead, vowing to "never forget."