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Community Corner

9/11 Service of Remembrance - Gorgas Park 6 PM Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The challenge to eradicate the world of the evil of terrorism continues to be a difficult battle.  Show that America still stands strong and will not cave in to violent evil acts of terrorism.  Show that you care and will not give in to fear by attending the twelfth annual observance of the "911 ATTACKS ON AMERICA" that will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. 

This Service of Remembrance with candlelight vigil, sponsored by the 21st Ward Veterans Association, is a time for our community (Roxborough, Manayunk, Wissahickon, Andorra, and East Falls) to unite in prayer and to show support for each other.  The Service will take place at the Gorgas Park War Memorial located on 6300 Ridge Avenue between Hermitage and Fountain Streets in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia.  The Service will commence at 6:00 pm.  Set up and preparation will begin at 5:00 pm.

 

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Clergy and lay personnel of churches and synagogues have been invited to participate in the service with prayers for the innocents who were murdered and the families they left behind as well as remembrances of the heroes.  There will be music along with the recitation of the 23rd Psalm and the Lord’s Prayer.

 

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Military men and women, past and present, will be acknowledged for their commitment and sacrifice to sustaining the freedom we enjoy as Americans.

 

The heroic civil servants—Firefighters, Police, and EMT’s—who sacrificed their lives to save those in harm’s way will be honored as a wreath is placed in their memory.  Following the wreath placement, the Henry Houston - American Legion Post 3 Rifle Squad will fire the traditional three rounds followed by TAPS honoring all who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom.

 

During the candlelight vigil, Police, Fire, EMT’s, and Military personnel will light the ceremonial memorial candles.  The flame of remembrance will pass from one to another until all candles are burning bright.  Due to a limited supply of candles, members of the community are encouraged to bring their own candles for the candlelight vigil.

 

Following this year’s Service of Remembrance, “The Hooligans”, the Philadelphia-based Celtic Irish Folk/Rock Band, will return in concert.  The Hooligans was the first band to perform in Gorgas Park immediately following the 911 attack.  It was during that first prayer vigil / concert that more than $500 were raised and donated to the Red Cross.

 

All clergy and lay personnel who want to participate are asked to contact Bruce F. Hoffman, President of the 21st Ward Veterans Association (H:  215 483-8486, C:  267-304-5787, or Email brucefhoffman@msn.com ), by September 3, 2013.  Please reference PRAYER VIGIL in the subject line.  We look forward to the full support of our great community.

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