Tullytown Borough Honors 9-11 Victims

As many people across the nation took a moment out of their day to reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, at the Tullytown Borough Hall residents gathered for the somber celebration in the community park just before dusk.

With the ceremony starting off with the Men of Harmony serenading the crowd with Patriotic favorites, many guests of honor took the podium to reflect on that fateful day that forever lives in the hearts of all Americans.

Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers was on hand to speak to the crowd of several hundred in the park.

“One of the things that I always remember is the way that we come together to honor heroes. People who made it their duty long before they went up the towers to swear that they would do just that if the time came,” said Commissioner Ayers.

“Let’s Roll is something we talk about all over the country now,” referring to the passengers on Flight 93 that saved many lives when they forced the terrorists to crash that plane in Shanksville, Pa. “When we think about it on our runs now, that is one of the things we say, whatever the case is, Let’s Roll, Let’s Go.”

Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad Deputy Chief Jay Colella was next to speak to the crowd as the day turned to night.

“September 11, for me, was one of the defining moments of my career,” said Colella. “There was a sense of fear and disbelief, and awe as to what was going on…this wasn’t a tragedy, it was a terrorist act and there was no doubt in my mind that the world was going to change at that time.

“My 11-year old (son) asked me the other day if I was scared that day, and I told him that I was never so scared in my life on my job. The impact this has had on emergency services has been phenomenal and unprecedented.

“One of the big things that came out of this is that we are now required to carry tourniquets, and tourniquets do save lives, just as they did on the battle fields. Some of the things I would challenge the community to do, is to learn CPR and we can help you at the Rescue Squad.”

Tullytown Fire Chief Rick Johnson closed out the list of speakers.

“As this eleventh anniversary of the cowardice attacks approaches, our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the lives lost. We will always remember and we especially reach out to the families and friends of FDNY, NYPD, and PAPD members who gave their lives that day.”