The sun shone brightly, illuminating the mountains and serving as a backdrop for Nesquehoning’s Sept. 11 memorial service Friday evening, marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks on American soil.

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

The air of solemnness was evident, as VFW members, first responders and residents gathered.

Ian Acciarito, commander of the post, served as master of ceremonies, as well as the main speaker.

“Today, we commemorate the disastrous events of 25 years ago,” Acciarito said. “The word disaster can be translated as bad or ill-fated star. I believe this is a fitting reference and a basis of reflection for today’s memorial. A crooked moon put into the hearts of wicked men to take and twist the fates of the stars which fell upon us that day, and where they fell on the north and south towers of the World Trade Center, on the Pentagon, and in a Pennsylvania field. There rose clouds of darkness and a gripping, strangling fear.

“Today, we remember the thousands of innocent lives lost amid that darkness; but amid the fearsome darkness, we still see the comforting light of familiar stars and constellations. Many of these are visible today — fire, police, EMS, paramedics, nurses, doctors, civilian volunteers. We honor these men and women who cloaked themselves in courage and charged headlong into danger, prepared to face whatever lay ahead for the sake of their fellow man.”

Acciarito urged all to remember those who lost their lives that fateful day, those who served as search parties in the months that followed, and those who have served our country and our community in various forms.

“Remember that even ordinary men are capable of extraordinary deeds in the face of great evil,” he said, “and remember that the light they gave us still shines as long as we remember their courage, their sacrifice and their example, darkness will never smother the indomitable spirit of the American people.”

VFW Auxiliary President Paul Kattner also spoke.

“When I think of 25 years, I think of a silver anniversary,” he said. “One thing silver represents in an anniversary is durability and strength and that is definitely the heroes of that day and the survivors. This country showed both of those qualities not only the day of the attacks, but every day since.”

He also thanked all 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.

“Because of these brave and courageous people, we have a life much safer, a community much safer, and we can sleep better at night knowing these people are here at a moment’s notice to help in our darkest moments without second thoughts,” Kattner said. “The best way we can make sure the events of Sept. 11, 2001 do not become forgotten history, and I think it is simply this — never forget. Teach those that may not understand what happened to have pride in your country, to support your military ... and to support our first responders.”

Father William Rupp, pastor of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Nesquehoning provided a blessing over the first responders.