The ominous scene as the passenger jetliners crashed into several of our nation's most symbolic structures remains forever etched in our minds.

We remember the fear and uncertainty we felt that morning when four passenger airliners were hijacked by 19 al-Qaida terrorists that crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia; and into a field near Shanksville.In honor of the 14th anniversary of that fateful morning of Sept. 11, 2001, a crowd gathered for a Patriots' Day 9/11 memorial service Friday morning in the Josiah White Park in Jim Thorpe.The service, conducted by the Carbon County Veterans Affairs, was open to all emergency services, such as fire, police and ambulance personnel, veterans organizations and the public.Harry J. Wynn III, senior vice commander of the American Legion 30th District in Carbon County, welcomed those in attendance.Wynn said the purpose of the service was to remember that awful day that happened 14 years ago, and especially all those who continue to guard us around the clock.Carbon County Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard said that while that day may have broken our hearts, it didn't break our country's spirit.Gerhard said that day brought about an awareness and unification of our country.Carbon County Commissioner William O'Gurek referred to the 9/11 attacks as "that infamous day that changed the world."O'Gurek said those who perished in the attacks had no time to escape, no time to prepare, and no warning.State Rep. Doyle Heffley said we need to remember and honor the men and women who lost their lives due to the "senseless acts of terrorism."Heffley said that while Sept. 11 forever changed our nation, it was "not in the way the terrorists hoped.""We have remained the world's superpower," Heffley said. "The attacks were carried out because of (their) hatred toward America."Guest speaker Ralph Lennon, Lake Harmony fire chief, thanked the first responders for their continued support.Lennon said he believes there is a crisis looming in the state with regard to where have our volunteers gone.He said he has since gotten to know some people who were involved in the after effects of the 9/11 attacks."So this thing comes and it goes, but how do people cope with it? There are still people out there that are suffering from it."Lennon said the best way we can prevent potential attacks is to report any suspicious activity that we see."What can you do, be a volunteer," he said. "Someone can always use you."Unfortunately, Lennon said the number of people who volunteer is down drastically due to the requirements that are put on volunteers, fundraising activities they are asked to perform, and the economy, as people are working two or three jobs.He urged people to become volunteers, and to support their fire companies financially.Angela Nardini sang renditions of the national anthem and "God Bless America."Gilbert Henry, chaplain of American Legion Post 304 of Jim Thorpe, and VFW Post 294, Penn-Kidder Post, Albrightsville, offered the invocation, A Remembrance of 9/11, and the benediction.A rifle squad and color guard, comprised of members of veterans' organizations, stood proudly at attention.The ceremony ended with a rifle volley, presentation of colors and taps.