The sun shone brightly, illuminating the mountains and serving as a backdrop for Nesquehoning’s Sept. 11 memorial service Thursday evening.

The event was held at the new Nesquehoning Memorial VFW Post 8008 Veterans and First Responders Memorial Garden at the east end of town.

The air of solemnness was evident, with an American flag flying high above the crowd, hung from the Nesquehoning Hose Company and East Penn Township fire departments’ ladder trucks, framing the scene.

Guest speaker, John McArdle, a lifelong resident of the borough and has served in a number of positions as a first responder throughout his life, most notably as fire chief of the Nesquehoning Hose Company, a position he has held for 34 years, addressed the crowd.

“Twenty-four years have passed since the unfathomable Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001,” he said, noting that this day is “etched into the memories of a nation.”

McArdle spoke about the feelings he had hearing about the attacks and the events that followed, and urged people to never forget the events that brought generations together.

VFW Auxiliary President Paul Kattner also spoke.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 24 years since that terrible day,” he said before remembering the men and women, both who were victims, as well as those who worked tirelessly to help.

He also thanked the borough’s first responders for putting their lives on the line when emergency strikes because without brave men and women, a community and a nation would fall.

“What we need to do to honor our first responders and all those who died is remember,” Kattner said. “Remember to never take for granted your first responders that risk their lives for yours. Remember to never forget everyone who passed away on Sept. 11 or is still suffering from illness and those who are still struggling with the loss of their loved ones.”

Other speakers for the event included VFW Commander Craig Strohl and the Rev. Vasyl Chepelskyy.

Chepelskyy also provided blessings over all the emergency responders and their vehicles that were present at the service.