{"id":244055,"date":"2025-09-21T14:20:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-21T14:20:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/244055\/"},"modified":"2025-09-21T14:20:18","modified_gmt":"2025-09-21T14:20:18","slug":"9-11-ceremony-stokes-the-passions-of-patriotism-and-faith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/244055\/","title":{"rendered":"9-11 ceremony stokes the passions of patriotism and faith"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Sometime during 21st Ward Veterans Association President Bruce Hoffman\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>In Hoffman\u2019s mind, the tragic events of that fateful September morning might as well have happened yesterday.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mng-gallery-initialized mng-gallery-slider\">\n<li data-index=\"1\" class=\"mng-ge mng-gallery-active\" id=\"mng-ge-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"21st Ward Veterans President Bruce Hoffman\u2019s love of country has...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"  \/>\n<p>21st Ward Veterans President Bruce Hoffman\u2019s love of country has never burned brighter. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Roxborough Church Youth Pastor Jackson Foltz expressed words of comfort...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RBR-L-911memorial-0920-02.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Roxborough Church Youth Pastor Jackson Foltz expressed words of comfort for those affected by the 9-11 tragedy. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"State Rep. Tarik Khan used his musical chops to play...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RBR-L-911memorial-0920-03.jpg\" \/>\n<p>State Rep. Tarik Khan used his musical chops to play an inspiring rendition of Taps. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"4\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Officer David Vogler and Firefighter Don Johnson had the honor...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RBR-L-911memorial-0920-10.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Officer David Vogler and Firefighter Don Johnson had the honor of placing a ceremonial wreath at the foot of the monument. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"5\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"George and Liz of Mission BBQ served up their usually...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RBR-L-911memorial-0920-07.jpg\" \/>\n<p>George and Liz of Mission BBQ served up their usually delicious platters. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 5<\/p>\n<p>21st Ward Veterans President Bruce Hoffman\u2019s love of country has never burned brighter. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Hoffman likes to use the phrase \u201cNever Forget\u201d because he believes that it still rings true for him with the same gut-wrenching response that permeated our lives 24 years ago.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s a lot of folks in agreement and that these sentiments still hold a special place in our hearts.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s den back then, as well as those who serve and protect us in the present day.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, we commit ourselves toward a renewal of hope for the future.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>He posited that we \u201care united by love, not by fear.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Attendees were invited to hold lighted candles as a symbol of hope and renewal during the ceremony.. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\" width=\"1070\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RBR-L-911memorial-0920-12.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1135171\" \/>Attendees were invited to hold lighted candles as a symbol of hope and renewal during the ceremony.. (Photo by Rick Cawley)<\/p>\n<p>While Ghislaine Cotnoir (aka Pastor G) was echoing Hoffman\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The distinguished list included Holy Family Deacon Jim Browne, Seminarian Katy Brossa from St. Alban\u2019s, Retired Salvation Army Officer Len Schneider, Rox ChurchYouth Pastor Jackson Foltz, and State Rep. Tarik Khan.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mng-gallery-initialized mng-gallery-slider\">\n<li data-index=\"1\" class=\"mng-ge mng-gallery-active\" id=\"mng-ge-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Scott Santo led the Roxborough Male Chorus through a rousing...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"  \/>\n<p>Scott Santo led the Roxborough Male Chorus through a rousing set of patriotic fare. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Judy and Cy Kaspar can always be found in their...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RBR-L-911memorial-0920-08.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Judy and Cy Kaspar can always be found in their familiar spot for Gorgas Park events. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ghislaine Cotnoir, aka Pastor G, offered a spiritual message centering...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RBR-L-911memorial-0920-09.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Ghislaine Cotnoir, aka Pastor G, offered a spiritual message centering on hope, healing, and faith.  (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"4\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Scouts Jamison Slobodian, right, and Mark Kovacs carefully collected the...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RBR-L-911memorial-0920-11.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Scouts Jamison Slobodian, right, and Mark Kovacs carefully collected the hundreds of flags that had been laid out prior to the tribute. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"5\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hillary Torchiana\u2019s dynamic voice brought the post-ceremony concert by the...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RBR-L-911memorial-0920-06.jpg\" \/>\n<p>Hillary Torchiana\u2019s dynamic voice brought the post-ceremony concert by the Providers to a whole other level. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 5<\/p>\n<p>Scott Santo led the Roxborough Male Chorus through a rousing set of patriotic fare. (Photo by Rick Cawley)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Khan gave a special shout out to Hoffman for bringing the community together several times a year for commemorative veterans-related events.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of musical interludes, I can\u2019t 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 \u201cStar Spangled Banner\u201d to kick off the event and \u201cAmerica, the Beautiful\u201d to close it out.<\/p>\n<p>The emotional highlight of the evening is the placing of a commemorative wreath at the base of the Gorgas Park Memorial.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u201cProviders.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With the swirling vocals of Hillary Torchiana from \u201cThe Voice\u201d fame, the band\u2019s hard-rocking sound provided the perfect antidote to end the evening with a positive vibe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Sometime during 21st Ward Veterans Association President Bruce Hoffman\u2019s opening remarks during the 24th Annual 9-11 Prayer Vigil,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":244056,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5132],"tags":[5229,728,50,1448,2830,1311,20348,25630,25629,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-244055","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-philadelphia","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-local-news","10":"tag-news","11":"tag-pa","12":"tag-pennsylvania","13":"tag-philadelphia","14":"tag-philadelphia-county","15":"tag-roxborough-review","16":"tag-top-stories-tth","17":"tag-united-states","18":"tag-united-states-of-america","19":"tag-unitedstates","20":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","21":"tag-us","22":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115242731525903327","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244055","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=244055"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244055\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/244056"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=244055"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=244055"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=244055"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}