Patriots Day Ceremony Planned

High on the hill behind the Manheim Township Public Library, 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, is a unique monument to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Several years ago, citizens of Manheim Township worked together to obtain a beam that was scarred by the fires that brought down the twin towers in New York City. The beam lies in a special place surrounded by stone walkways and American flags. On Saturday, Sept. 11, Patriot Day, at 4 p.m., a remembrance ceremony will be held at the 9/11 memorial site in honor of those who were killed 20 years ago.

Vin Kneizys of the Manheim Township Historical Society (MTHS) which is working with Manheim Township Recreation and Parks to plan the event, said that the effort has been ongoing for some time. "The seed was planted early this year," said Kneizys, who has been working with Harry Norton, adult and family program manager with Recreation and Parks, on the details of the event. Having held a commemorative ceremony in 2017, the planners used the earlier event as a template. "Utilizing the talents that we had in 2017, we began the process," recalled Kneizys.

The ceremony, which has been designed to bring remembrance and respect to the victims, will include a presentation of colors and the national anthem led by Manheim Township Commissioner Sam Mecum. Kneizys will welcome the group, and historical society president Benton Webber will speak, along with Matt Stopa, director of recreation and park planning. Featured speakers will be retired U.S. Army Col. Michael Angelo, who narrowly missed being in the area of the Pentagon that was hit by the plane when he was late for a meeting, and retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David E. Wood, who was among the first investigators to arrive at the Shanksville site after Flight 93 crashed there.

Wreaths will be laid in honor of the victims at each attack site. David Cook, brother of Dennis Cook, who died in the twin towers, will lay a wreath at the 9/11 beam. Angelo will lay a wreath at the nearby memorial to those who died in the Pentagon, and Wood will lay at wreath at the memorial to the victims of Flight 93.

The ceremony, which is scheduled to run less than an hour, will also include a rifle salute, the playing of taps, and patriotic music. Manheim Township's first responders will be present to escort honored guests and speakers.

Following the ceremony, the Manheim Township Historical Society will serve light refreshments at Stoner House, which is located adjacent to the site at 601 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster. Readers who would like more information may email mthistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 717-569-6638.