Remembrance, praise of heroism that occurred, and a somber warning were among the topics referenced at a 9/11 service held Saturday at the South Ward Playground in Tamaqua.

The South Ward event has been held every year since 2002.

More than a dozen individuals participated in the 90-minute program, including a retired army chaplain who spent time in Afghanistan and Iraq with the Green Berets. The speakers talked about how we must never forget that fateful day as well as the unification of our country that melded immediately after, the heroism that was exhibited especially by first responders, and a warning that the danger exists of another calamity occurring again.

Retired army chaplain, the Rev. Paul Lynn was a minister at a Tamaqua church for several years. He told the several dozen people who gathered for the outdoor service about his time in Afghanistan and Iran. He said although retired from the military, he is headed to Fort Bragg, California this week to teach military chaplains.

He said, “The threat that was present on 9/11, we’re one step away from that happening again here today.”

Lynn said he had lived in Texas at the Mexican border and “saw illegals in camouflage running toward the base. It was very scary,” he said, noting that immediately they were stopped by the patrols.

“We’re not very far off from another 9/11,” he said.

Rev. Lynn said he holds deep appreciation to police and firefighters “who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.” He said, “We never know when evil is going to come to our doorstep again.”

“Unless we do something to bolster homeland security, we’re never going to have real democracy,” Lynn said.

The speaker mentioned the importance of national resiliency and how it was an imperative element after 9/11.

Pastor Lynn said that soldiers held as POWs for long periods survive because of possessing two basic principles: Faith in God and patriotism - that this country was going to have his back.

He stressed that Americans must continue to remain resilient, to put their faith in God, and adhere to the Constitution of the United States.

All three Schuylkill County commissioners attended and spoke. One, Barron “Boots” Hetherington, sang “God Bless America” with vocalist Skyy Boyer.

Boyer also led the audience in the singing of “God Bless the USA.”

The Rev. Dillion Epler of St. John’s Lutheran Church recalled that he was in the fourth-grade classroom of West Penn Elementary School when the 9/11 attack occurred. He said a TV was brought into the room and the students watched as the second plane hit the World Trade Center.

“It’s a day I will never forget even as a fourth grader,” he said.

He stressed the importance of loving your neighbor as well as loving God.

Joe Rother of the South Ward Fire Company read the “Fireman’s Prayer.”

Tamaqua Mayor David Clemson recalled the unity of Americans after 9/11, which included forming long lines to donate blood. Regarding 9/11, he said, “If we only remember the hatred that caused it, that’s only half the story.”

“Twenty-five years ago, Americans promised we would never forget,” said Clemson, adding that holding such a service shows we’re keeping that promise.

Nick Boyle, representing the Tamaqua School Board said, “We have responsibility to one another. That’s what I think about when I think about 9/11.”

Vietnam War Army veteran Jack Kulp was joined by a trio of singers who call themselves Naomi’s Magic and sang the 1960s hit “Turn, Turn, Turn,” which is scripture for the Bible book of Ecclesiastics. Members of Naomi’s Magic are Damon Brossman, Jennifer Brossman and Delilah Brossman. The trio was named for Damon’s daughter, Naomi, who died on Sept. 24, 2019, at the age of 20.

Micah Gursky was master of ceremonies for the annual program arranged by Shelly Troxell of Tamaqua. Her mother, Jackie Jones, started the event and coordinated it for 13 years until her death. After she died, Shelly said, “I knew we had to do something because I promised her we would continue it.”

Members of the South Ward Fire Company attended with apparatus.

A gun salute was offered by members of the Tamaqua American Legion Post. Bugler Dave Hegarty sounded taps