The blessing of first responders and their apparatus highlighting a special 9/11 remembrance service Monday at the Nesquehoning VFW Post.

About 20 firefighters and ambulance personnel attended the program in front of the VFW Post on Center Street. Also attending were about 20 spectators.Richard Ellis, commander of the VFW Post 8008, said the 9/11 service will continue to be an annual event.He said the anniversary holds significance to him considering he is originally from Staten Island, New York."I lost some friends," he said of the terrorism attack on the twin towers. "I have friends in emergency services who have a lot of health issues right now."He thanked the emergency responders who attended for their dedication.The blessing of the apparatus and first responders was done bythe Rev. Robert Teklinski of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Nesquehoning. He was assisted by Ted Pathroff.Blessed were vehicles from the Nesquehoning, Hauto and New Columbus fire companies and the Nesquehoning Ambulance Service."On this 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks … we ask you to be with us tonight," the pastor said in his benediction.He prayed, "We ask that our country will never again have to endure such terror."Christa Kattner, president of the VFW auxiliary, also praised first responders for their continued service and commitment."On 9/11, strangers rushed and gave their lives to rescue others, most of whom they did not know," she said.She said their response "was more of a calling than a job."Jean Papay attended on behalf of state Rep. Doyle Heffley. She said Heffley "is always working hard for the first responders."Of the 9/11 anniversary, she said, "We will always remember this day and we will always keep everybody in our prayers."Nesquehoning Fire Chief John McArdle said he was pleased with the program."It's important that nobody forgets the anniversary of 9/11," McArdle said. "We as the first responders of Nesquehoning take action when needed. We're here to help."