On Thursday, students, faculty, first responders, and community members gathered at Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
The solemn ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
A Morning of Reflection and Respect
The college’s 9/11 remembrance began with a traditional flag ceremony, followed by the national anthem, pledge of allegiance, and prayers. The event also featured a final alarm ceremony—a fire service tradition that honours fallen firefighters.
Local fire departments and public officials attended the ceremony to pay their respects. Among them was Luzerne County Council Chairman John Lombardo, who gave a powerful keynote address.
As a first responder himself, Lombardo spoke from the heart about the legacy of bravery left by the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11.
“Those guys were so brave and did such an amazing job with the horrible hand that they had been dealt that day,” said Lombardo. “For us as first responders, we take a lot of those examples with us in our day-to-day work.”
Lombardo’s personal connection to firefighting runs deep—his uncle, John Lombardo, died in a fire in 1993. He said the heroism displayed on 9/11 continues to inspire first responders across the nation.
Passing the Message to a New Generation
Navy veteran and current college student Tyler Suiters also addressed the gathering. With many young students born after 2001, Suiters felt it was important to help them understand the emotional and historical impact of 9/11.
“History isn’t just history for some people. They’ve lived it,” he said. Suiters urged the younger generation to remember the sacrifices made and to learn from the stories of those who lived through the tragedy.
The ceremony reminded everyone that remembering 9/11 isn’t just about looking back—it’s about carrying forward the values of unity, courage, and compassion.
Words to Stir the Soul
One of the most moving parts of the event came from Father Brian Van Fossen, who posed deep and reflective questions to the crowd:
“Where will you be when your neighbour needs your help? Where will you be when a child cries for comfort? … Where will we be as a community of life and mutual respect when the world looks to us for hope?”
His message encouraged everyone to think beyond the past—to focus on how we treat each other today and how we choose to serve in our daily lives.
Honouring Community Leaders
Alongside the 9/11 remembrance, the college also celebrated a new group of inductees into its Walk of Honor, which recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the college or community. This year’s honorees included:
- Becky Brominski
- Leroy Conduff
- Joe Earley
- Samantha and Joseph Macareo
- Luanne Russin
- Cathy Shulna
- Eric W. Wassel Esq.
- Ann Marie Schraeder
- W. Brooke Yeager
- Joel Kislin
- Teddi Janosov
- Walter D. Sokolowski
These names will now be permanently part of the campus memorial, alongside others who have shaped the college’s legacy.
Luzerne County Community College’s 9/11 ceremony was more than just a remembrance—it was a call to carry forward the spirit of service, sacrifice, and unity.
As years pass and generations change, events like these ensure that the memory of those lost and the courage of those who served will never fade from our hearts.
