Emporium holds 9/11 ceremony
Photo, story by James Moate, Endeavor News

Six years after terrorists from the Middle East conspired to attack America, the nation paused on Tuesday to remember victims of the Sept. 11 tragedies and to strengthen their resolve to protect the homeland.

Emporium's service was typical of thousands of others across the country. A siren sounded at 10:00, roughly the same time the first hijacked plane struck the World Trade Center.

To the sounds of the National Anthem by the Cameron County High School marching band, local emergency service volunteers raised a massive American flag.

Featured speaker Max Narby from American Legion Post 194 said the nation must come to grips with the 2001 attacks as an act of war.

"We are at the beginning, not the end, of a struggle that few understand," Narby said. "It's a different kind of war -- a war for our very souls and a war that must be won."

America's enemies, he continued, see the United States as an evil nation and they are willing to sacrifice their lives in support of their "holy war."

"Few people are willing to admit that we are at war," Narby said. "If they did, this street would be full of people today . . . schools and businesses would be closed and every community leader would be here."

About 50 citizens looked on as a bugler played "Taps," followed by the singing of "God Bless America."