The American flag in Jim Thorpe's Josiah White Park was lowered to half-staff Monday morning in honor of Patriot Day, the remembrance of 9/11.

The park was filled with local police, first responders, veterans and family members who have lost sons, daughters and parents, stood under a calm blue sky on Monday morning to honor those lost 16 years ago.Harry J. Wynn III, vice commander of Post 314 of the American Legion, gathered together elected officials, and military organizations to remind those in attendance the importance of unity and gratitude on the anniversary of the "tragedy of 9/11."Jim Thorpe American Legion Post 304 chaplain Gil Henry opened the program at 8:40 a.m. with a reminder and a prayer."This day shook the very foundation of our country and brought war to our door," he said."Many citizens lost their loved ones. Let us be reminded of the importance of life, freedom, justice and democracy. May all of us remember with love and compassion this day. May we stand with strangers who became neighbors that day and remember," he said.Angela Nardini belted out an a cappella rendition of the national anthem before the 8:46 a.m. moment of silence.At 8:46 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, the first plane struck the first tower in New York City, moments before a second plane careened with the other tower, taking with it thousands of American lives.State Rep. Doyle Heffley, R=Carbon, thanked those who remind us "what true heroes are.""I think about unity and how so many brave men and women volunteered to protect this country. Many vets came back wounded with PTSD and our country owes them everything.""We stand united as we remember the day the world stood still," said County Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard."It was a day our enemies thought they would destroy us and break our spirits. But that day brought about awareness and united us. We showed our enemies and the rest of the world we are the United States of America," he said.County Commissioner William J. O'Gurek explained to the crowd the absence of Commissioners' Chairman Wayne Nothstein, saying he was undergoing cataract surgery."As we know, he is the ultimate first responder," O'Gurek said.The commissioner drew attention to the three county judges present. "They started the Veterans' Court in Carbon because we know how important it is to treat our vets," he said, addressing Judges Steven R. Serfass, Joseph J. Matika and President Judge Roger N. Nanovic."We say thank you to the police, fire personnel and, of course, the vets. We can never do enough to show we support them. They are our true American heroes," O'Gurek said."Reserve a place in your hearts to be like them. The world needs more people who are prepared to stand up and do what is right, who stand up to make a difference in people's lives. Today we offer our heartfelt thanks to many who serve us in the past and future."Judge Matika, guest speaker, described himself as a son and brother of veterans, an uncle to two military nephews and told the crowd the importance of honoring and remembering those who serve."One cannot forget the gravity of that day, the tragedy left this country with heavy hearts but with a strong conviction to carry on," he said."We were not and we will never be defeated. We are ever mindful of that day."Nardini closed the morning with "God Bless America" before taps was played for the departing crowd."This is a very good program," said Jim Thorpe Detective Lee Marzen."It puts a lot of remembrance on Patriot Day. It's a good day to memorialize the vets, military and first responders and the victims that lost their lives to terrorism. This is very important for us as first responders to attend," he said.Michael and Sally Wargo, parents of late veteran Michael Wargo, attended the program to honor their son."9/11 is the reason our son enlisted in the Army," Sally said."He was a biology teacher then. He enlisted in January of 2002 and went into training in March," Sally said."This brings us back to when our son passed and to when he sat at our kitchen table and told us he enlisted," she said."I wanted to strangle him, but I felt so proud of him," Michael said."Events like this are very emotional for us. People just think it's the way it's supposed to be and don't think about the sacrifices made. This is why we have these events," he said.The American Legion, Navy Club, Vietnam veterans of Carbon County and VFW all gathered together to create the program's color guard for the ceremony."We are all on the same page here for vets and our first responders. This is a great county and they very supportive of our vets," Wynn said."The people who listened to the program are going to take something away. People should be proud of their country."