Leechburg holds parade, remembrance of 9/11 attacks, salute to first responders

Leechburg area Rev. Gary Lyon spent Saturday morning carefully crafting his words for a 9/11 dedication ceremony held later that day in Leechburg.

Rev. Lyon serves as co-pastor alongside his wife, Lisa, at Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church in Leechburg. He serves as a longtime volunteer firefighter with the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company.

The fire company sponsored a 9/11 parade Saturday afternoon, followed by a memorial service at the firehall, led by Lyon.

The event was to pay homage to the events that occurred 20 years ago during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“Twenty years ago, countless brothers and sisters in this nation and world came together after experiencing the horrors of hatred and terrorism on 9/11,” Lyon said. “Lisa and I, as pastors, see this as a challenge to remember, cry, pray with and ‘vision out’ a new tomorrow with our community, friends, nation and God.”

Organizer and fire company President Brian Scott said the community event is a day of remembrance for all.

“The parade and memorial is a way for the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company to provide a reminder to the community of the importance and significance of the 9/11 attacks and the heroism and perseverance of first responders and ordinary citizens who came forward to help others,” Scott said.

First and Markets streets were closed off to traffic during the parade.

The fire company has hosted some type of service to honor the victims of Sept. 11 for more than 16 years.

Gilpin resident Danielle Hoch, 33, said she was in middle school on Sept. 11, 2001.

“I remember teachers were fearful and kids kept getting dismissed and picked up by their parents,” said Hoch, who attended the parade.

Leechburg resident Sherry Price said she still has trouble embracing the fact that it’s been 20 years since the events of 9/11.

“I’m proud to be part of a community that realizes the importance of honoring those that were lost on 9/11,” Price said. “We should never forget that day — ever.”