Sometime during 21st Ward Veterans Association President Bruce Hoffman’s opening remarks during the 24th Annual 9-11 Prayer Vigil, he mused to the large gathering about why, after all these years, we continue to hold this sombre salute to those first responders who perished that fateful day in 2001.
One need only spend a minute with Hoffman to realize the extent of his love for this country and the fiery passion that burns from within.
In Hoffman’s mind, the tragic events of that fateful September morning might as well have happened yesterday.
The candle-lit ceremony, held at Gorgas Park each September 11, still elicits the same deep-rooted emotional fervor that was present that very first year.
In our now deeply divided political landscape, he feels that the sense of national unity and togetherness that ensued from those dark days when the nation rallied behind a singular purpose, is slowly eroding in our young people.
21st Ward Veterans President Bruce Hoffman’s love of country has never burned brighter. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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21st Ward Veterans President Bruce Hoffman’s love of country has never burned brighter. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Hoffman likes to use the phrase “Never Forget” because he believes that it still rings true for him with the same gut-wrenching response that permeated our lives 24 years ago.
Judging by the large crowd that gathers each year to commemorate that metaphoric sucker punch to our national pride, you would have to think that there’s a lot of folks in agreement and that these sentiments still hold a special place in our hearts.
As much as the focus on those who lost their lives on that horrific day remains crystal clear in our collective psyche, just as much appreciation and well-earned respect is reserved for the brave first responders who bravely entered the lion’s den back then, as well as those who serve and protect us in the present day.
The speakers who shared their personal perspective on how those attacks altered our perception of the world of the vulnerability that we once felt shielded from, the passage of time also allows us to continually resolve to protect ourselves from the nefarious forces that still exist in 2025.
At the same time, we commit ourselves toward a renewal of hope for the future.
As Hoffman recited the grim 9-11 casualty statistics, he also made note of how our country came together in a collective healing process that crossed over all demographics and political divisions.
He postulated that our nation has sadly been losing that sense of spiritual unity in the years since as young people desperately search for meaning in our age of misinformation and divisiveness.
He posited that we “are united by love, not by fear.”
Attendees were invited to hold lighted candles as a symbol of hope and renewal during the ceremony.. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
While Ghislaine Cotnoir (aka Pastor G) was echoing Hoffman’s sentiments that nothing can take hope away from us if we keep stressing the basics of hope, healing, and faith, candles were being passed out to the attendees.
This gave folks a minute to take a gander at the thousands of red, white, and blue flags (one for each of the 9-11 victims) that had been meticulously laid out earlier in the day by Bob Enslin, Steve Aldinger, and members of the Academies at Roxborough High ROTC.
The resounding message of the guest speakers was one of comfort, hope and healing as we continue to mourn past events, but with an arrow of optimism pointing to thefuture.
The distinguished list included Holy Family Deacon Jim Browne, Seminarian Katy Brossa from St. Alban’s, Retired Salvation Army Officer Len Schneider, Rox ChurchYouth Pastor Jackson Foltz, and State Rep. Tarik Khan.
Scott Santo led the Roxborough Male Chorus through a rousing set of patriotic fare. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
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Scott Santo led the Roxborough Male Chorus through a rousing set of patriotic fare. (Photo by Rick Cawley)
Khan gave a special shout out to Hoffman for bringing the community together several times a year for commemorative veterans-related events.
Khan, who is a staunch supporter of legislation that benefits first responders in Harrisburg, also did double duty as he brought out his bugle for a stirring playing of Taps, that was both inspiring and heartfelt.
Speaking of musical interludes, I can’t but help but mention the magnificent performance by the Roxborough Male Chorus. Under the able direction of Scott Santo, the group belted out several patriotic favorites including the “Star Spangled Banner” to kick off the event and “America, the Beautiful” to close it out.
The emotional highlight of the evening is the placing of a commemorative wreath at the base of the Gorgas Park Memorial.
Given the honors were the two individuals who had were bestowed exceptional service community awards from the 21st Ward Veterans Association: Firefighter Don Johnson and Officer David Vogler.
Following the event, attendees were given a chance to change gears from the somberness of the vigil to enjoy an upbeat performance by the Roxborough MemorialHospital connected “Providers.”
With the swirling vocals of Hillary Torchiana from “The Voice” fame, the band’s hard-rocking sound provided the perfect antidote to end the evening with a positive vibe.