- Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 October 2018 20:22
Under darkened skies that threatened but withheld their late Summer rains, West Mifflin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid, community first responders and local civic leaders held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Mitchell Paige Memorial Park on September 11 at 6:30 PM.
Navy Chief Petty Officers Stephanie Dora, Jason Phillips and Nicholas Zubeystand at parade rest in front of an honor detachment from the West Mifflin Area High School Air Force JROTC representing all branches of military service. |
Organized by VFW Post 914 member retired Senior Chief Petty Officer David G. Jackel, the event paid tribute to the more than 3,000 Americans who were killed 17 years ago during the al Qaeda terrorist attacks.
Serving as keynote speakers during the event were Chief Petty Officers Stephanie Dora, Jason Phillips and Nicholas Zubey from the United States Navy Recruiting Command in Pittsburgh. The three sailors recounted how the events of 9/11 each influenced their decision to join the military, and how that tragedy still impacts their service today.
Also participating as part of the ceremony were an honor guard from the West Mifflin Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, as well as AFJROTC instructors Senior Master Sergeant Otis DiCerbo and Major Scott Harbula. Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pennsylvania Chaplain of the Year, Gene Staudt, gave the invocation and sang ‘Amazing Grace’. Other participants and attendees included West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly, members of West Mifflin Borough Council and the West Mifflin Recreation Committee, firefighters from the Homeville #1 VFC Station 293, the Duquesne Annex VFC Station 294, the West Mifflin #3 VFC Station 295, the Skyview VFC Station 296, officers from the West Mifflin Police Department, and personnel from the Baldwin EMS Station 510. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by local Scouts from Troop 1111. Refreshments were provided by West Mifflin Borough Council.
For more information about VFW Post 914 and its activities, contact Commander Jake Bradich at: 412-464-9838.