The Lehighton United Veterans Organization hosted the 25th annual 9/11 Remembrance Service Saturday evening in the Lehighton Amphitheater.

Lehighton UVO Commander Kevin “Spike” Long led the program, introducing the various guests.

Angela Nardini led everyone singing the National Anthem, followed by the invocation by the Lehighton UVO Chaplain Carl Haydt.

Lehighton Mayor Ryan Saunders offered the opening remarks.

“Welcome to the 25th Remembrance Memorial of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on our nation,” Saunders said. “I’m glad to see so many of you here honoring the thousands of innocent Americans we lost Sept. 11th, 25 years ago. For the fact that our country continues to honor our own long after every single act of terrorism goes to show how our country continues to be united as one whenever tragedy occurs.”

“Today, we cherish our fallen friends and family members, and again we pledge to never forget them. The world must know that America never forgets.”

The Lehighton Band, directed by Brad Cressley, performed several patriotic selections during the ceremony.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Keith “Jake” Boyer, a Vietnam veteran and retired superintendent.

“We honor 2,977 who lost their lives in the Twin Towers, 184 in the Pentagon crash, 40 lost on Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa., only 182 miles from here. On that flight, the heroic actions of Todd Beamer and a few others who charged the terrorists when Todd said, ‘Are you ready? Ok, let’s roll’. Their heroics brought down the plane in a field in Shanksville, thus avoiding another crash into another government building.”

“Even as time passes or the United States of America, there will be no forgetting Sept. 11, 2001,” Boyer said. “We will remember every victim, every rescuer who died in honor, and every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash and those last phone calls.”

“We must preserve national unity, pass history to the new generations, and maintain vigilance.”

“This quote is from Virgil, who said, ‘No day shall erase you from the memory of time’.”

“Let me end with a quote from Michael Hinson, a 9/11 survivor, ‘I may never know the answers to the questions that plague me after 9/11, but I know that if we lean on God and each other, we will be guided to a brighter future’.”

The Lehighton Band performed a medley of military songs, as the various branches of the military were honored.

Long offered tribute to the fire department, police, emergency personnel, and first responders.

“There are those that serve our communities, and when the time arises, when people are running from a dangerous situation, these are the first people that show up and are there, and they’re going into the danger. We’ll never forget the sacrifices for all those that every day committed their life to give their life for someone else, so they may see another day.”

“Thank you, Lehighton Fire Department, for being here this evening. I appreciate you guys as our community appreciates everything that you do to uphold the safety of our community.”

Angela Nardini led everyone in singing “God Bless America,” and UVO Chaplain Carl Haydt offered the benediction.

The the Tally of Deceased was read along with the ringing of the bell, honoring all who died Sept. 11, 2001, in the various locations of the terrorist actions, along with the various operations of military action taken since then.

The Lehighton UVO offered the Rifle Salute, and Wesley Tkach played “Taps” on the bugle.

Long thanked all who took part, including Lehighton American Legion Post 316, Billy Horn, AMVETS Post 106, and Milan Printing.