Some days, it’s hard to believe 14 years have passed since terrorists struck America’s homeland, except for the families directly affected, who remember it as if it happened yesterday.

Memorials have been created at the tree sites where the hijacked airliners crashed, drawing large crowds of visitors, but most of America has moved on until reminded of the event and its aftermath. Many elementary school children know only that something bad happened that day. They’re just not sure what it was and why they should remember.In Tamaqua’s South Ward, one family has made it their duty to make sure everyone remembers.Within months of that fateful September day, Cecilia “Jackie” Jones was already preparing for the first anniversary of the attack. Rallying her husband Bill and her daughters, Jackie vowed to do whatever she could to make sure “we never forget.” For the first 13 years, she kept that vow, despite several bouts with cancer and other medical issues. After her death earlier this year, no one would have thought twice if the Jones family turned the memorial event over to someone else.Instead, they banded together to make sure Jackie’s vow was kept, and they did, planning and hosting Tamaqua’s 9/11 Remembrance service Friday night at Jackie’s second home, the South Ward Playground. In addition to honoring the victims of 9/11, the service also honored the woman who started the memorial.Tamaqua Council President Micah Gursky noted, “The community of Tamaqua hasn’t forgotten that September day. Jackie wouldn’t have allowed that to happen. We’re here tonight to remember the every day citizens, the first responders and the military members who lost their lives that day and in the days since in America’s War on Terror. But, we’re also here because of Jackie and her family. It’s through their dedication and hard work that so many people are here, remembering. Jackie loved her family, including every child she ever met, and her community. Her legacy will continue as long as there is a Tamaqua and the South Ward Playground.”State Rep. Jerry Knowles, who grew up in the South Ward and spent time under the watchful eyes of “Nanny Jones,” offered “She was a wonderful mother, not just to her own kids, but to every child that ever entered the playground. The last time we spoke, she still talked to me as a mother.America lost some of her innocence on Sept. 11, 2001, but still endures. Listen to the innocence and laughter of the children playing right now. It’s for them that we will always remember 9/11 and we will always remember Jackie.”Former Tamaqua Mayor Richard Hadesty served as master of ceremonies. An invocation was offered by Pastor Ed Noftz of New Life Assembly of God Church. George Haldeman of the South Ward Fire Company read the “Fireman’s Prayer.” Guest speakers included Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess, Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman, Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph Groode, District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison, Joe Butrie of the American Legion Riders, Tamaqua Salvation Army Major Sharon Whispell, Iraqi War veteran Andrew Leibenguth and family friends Emma Weaver and Nick Boyle.Vocalist Dolinda Linkhorst led the crowd in singing several patriotic tunes, then ended the program with a poignant rendition of Jones’ favorite song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” as helium balloons rose into the sky.Buglers Becky Hartranft and ended the program with “Taps.”