CB East Reflects on 9/11

They were just eager, young elementary students on Sept. 11, 2001, when the United States was attacked by terrorists.

For years, they may have had fuzzy memories of the day or the confusion and fear that followed without really knowing what it all meant.

In the 10 years since, though, those young children have grown up.

The Central Bucks East high school students who sat in the school's auditorium Friday for a remembrance ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of 9/11 - they get what it’s all about now.

During that ceremony, they were tasked with keeping those memories alive – remembering all those who died and their families, as well as honoring the first responders who so diligently serve their own community.

They also were challenged to be the best individuals they can be.

Emergency personnel from the area – firefighters, ambulance crews and police – were invited to attend the ceremony which featured several speakers, including radio talk show host and CB West graduate Michael Smerconish.

Smerconish was introduced by his former football coach, retired Holicong teacher John Marmor. He shared the story of Florida immigration inspector Jose Melendez-Perez, who, three months before the attacks, refused to allow one of the would-be hijackers in the country. Smerconish’s book, Instinct, details his story.

By denying entry to what would have been the 20th hijacker, Smerconish said, Melendez-Perez may have given the edge to passengers on the ill-fated Flight 93.

They, alone of the four places hijacked that terrible day, were able to overpower four instead of five terrorists, thereby preventing their plane from being used as a weapon against the White House or Capitol.

The subsequent arrest of the would-be hijacker, Mohammed al Kahtani, also provided key information in the discovery earlier this year of Osama bin Laden.

“It’s an amazing story that the behavior of one person can make such an impact,” Smerconish said.

Every action or inaction an individual takes delivers some sort of repercussion, he advised the students.

“On Sept. 11, every second mattered … decisions that were made had life and death consequences.”

Grace Godshalk, whose son worked and died at the World Trade Center, provided a personal view of the anniversary.

“Ten years ago, the final act of most 9/11 victims was one of love,” she told the audience.

Her son, Bill, worked at Keefe, Bruyette and Woods on the 89th floor of the south tower. He called her after watching the first jet hit the north tower and told her he’d talk to her later.

When she watched news reports and saw the second jet slam into the south tower, she knew he didn’t survive.

“I never heard from him again,” she said during an emotional portion of the ceremony.

“It’s been a tough 10 years, but the people I’ve met are a strong force,” said Godshalk, who was one of the founders of the Garden of Reflection 9/11 memorial in Lower Makefield.

She told the audience to “remember all those whose lives have been lost and hope for peace in the future.”

Fire chief Greg Jakubowski of Lingohocken Fire Co. said Sept. 11 pointed out our vulnerability – “that meant this community and everywhere else.”

The emergency personnel who responded to the disaster sites are made of the same material that our local first responders are, he said.

“That same spirit exists in this community every day.”

Jakubowski cited examples of bravery and resolve demonstrated most recently as first responders dealt with shootings in Hilltown and Buckingham, as well as weather-related incidents over the last two weeks.

“They do it because of dedication, because of courage and the thing they have here, in their hearts, to serve you and all of us.”

U.S. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick sent a video message urging students not to forget the significance of that day, even though their memories of it may be vague.

“It is your job to carry on this tradition of remembrance as you grow older,” he said. “Remember, we must always be vigilant to guard our freedoms and protect our nation.”

Midway Volunteer Fire Co.’s Honor Guard also unveiled a World Trade Center artifact that will be placed on permanent display at the school.