ELYSBURG - Candlelight set the stage against stormy skies Monday evening during the closing tribute honoring veterans at the All Home Days celebration in Elysburg.
As is the annual tradition, attendees paused to remember those who served our country whether it be defending our freedoms overseas, or risking their lives to save others during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Emcee and organizer Crystal Morelli, began the program with mention of soldiers who served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and their return home to a hero's welcome.
"I remember the yellow ribbons lining the street and the parade we had in town. It makes me wonder if that is what the first All Home Days parade was like. A joyous community celebrating America and a victory at war. " Morelli said.
After Korean War veteran Ralph Nasatka explained the POW-MIA table set up on the stage, and while the community gathered to place flowers on wreaths, past and present soldier paid tribute to their fallen comrades.
One by one, soldiers created a monument in honor of those who lost their lives in battle. Oneplaced his rifle, others contributed boots, a helmet, dogtags and a flag forming a shrine for all fallen soldiers.
The final touch was a single red rose placed by Dana Noblit, mother of Cpl. David A. Noblit Jr., of Herndon, who lost his legs in a IED explosion in Afghanistan. Several veterans in attendance worked to raise money for Noblit during the course of the All Home Days weekend.
Those present then remembered the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks by recalling the events of that fateful day and reenacting scenes involving those who risked their lives to save those who were trapped in the World Trade Center.
"It was a beautiful Tuesday morning, not a cloud in the clear blue skies. It was a day that made you feel good to be alive. Who would have thought within the span of 90 minutes our great nation would never be the same again," Morelli told the crowd.
As Morelli read the timeline of events, radio calls from New York City firefighters were played. Sirens could be heard on the grounds as members of Elysburg's and Overlook's Fire Company responded to the scene, much like the firefighters responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11.
As State Rep. Kurt Masser read off fire company names and how many members were lost that day, the firefighters placed their helmets on the ground and took to one knee in tribute.
A bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace" was then played, as is tradition for a fallen officers.
Morelli said that the spirit of those lost on Sept. 11 and those lost in battle will never die in our country.
"Our brave military will defend our freedom until the very end and the flag of the United States of America is worth dying for," she told the crowd.