BY LARRY DEKLINSKI
Staff Writer
larry_d@newsitem.com
MOUNT CARMEL - Lightning and heavy rain did not stop local firefighters Wednesday from honoring their fallen brothers and sisters who were killed in New York City during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Local firefighters remained at attention while a thunderstorm drifted over the borough during a memorial service on Sixth Street, next to the Clover Hose Fire Company, which honored all fallen heroes killed twelve years ago. When a firefighter was asked if the service would be postponed because of the storm, he simply responded, "The firefighters at Ground Zero went through much worse than this."
The service began around 7 p.m. at Second and Oak streets with a solemn march led by Joint Veterans Organization carrying an American flag. At the conclusion of the march, the flag was lowered to half-staff, which was followed by a gun salute, a wreath laying by police officers, the fireman's prayer and the ringing of the bell, which is used to honor firefighters killed in the line of duty. The Rev. Joan Brown and Mayor J. Kevin Jones gave remarks while heavy rain fell.
The Clover Hose Company and the borough have been involved with sponsoring and helping organize a memorial event since 2001. All those attending the service were offered refreshments following the service.