Clinton Township honors those lost on Sept. 11

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — It’s been 23 years since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2011. Clinton Township hasn’t forgotten.

On the anniversary, those lost on that day were remembered at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. The ceremony is part of Patriot Day, commemorated and observed nationally by putting flags at half-staff.

Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon said the event ensures that what happened in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001, is not forgotten.

“Remembering also gives us an excellent opportunity to teach,” Cannon said. “The events, the aftermath and the pulse of our nation during that time needs to be passed on to those who were not here or too young to understand the gravity of the attack on our country.”

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 Assistant Chaplain Mike Schneider delivered the invocation. Schneider touched on the deep feelings of loss on that day.

“It is right that it should not pass from our memory but today and in this prayer, along with our remembrance of profound loss, it also seems right that we give voice to our deep longing for peace,” Schneider said.

The event featured several speakers who paid tribute to those who were lost and shared personal stories.

Clinton Township Police Capt. Anthony Coppola said adherence to service, honor and remembrance is the best way to honor those who were lost that day.

“As we pause our busy lives and think back as we saw those two great pillars of modern mankind’s marvel come crashing down near New York City,” Coppola said. “Near the same time, to have one of America’s symbols of military organization subject to attack in the Washington D.C. area. We can neither forget those who were aboard United Airlines Flight 93, who lost their lives resisting the offenses brought about them.”

Clinton Township firefighter Ronald Gnesda gave an accounting of the day and praised his fellow firefighters for their efforts at ground zero.

“Their courage and dedication were a beacon of hope in our darkest hours,” Gnesda said.

Gnesda was a sophomore in high school when the attack happened. The school was in lockdown and those inside were glued to the TV as the attack unfolded.

“I can still see the disbelief and the horror on the faces of my classmates and teachers as we watched the second plane crash into the south tower,” he said. “It was at that moment that the reality of what was happening set in. This was not an accident. This was an attack on our country.”

Gnesda said seeing that changed something in him and helped move him toward a career in public service.

“Each day on the job is a reminder of the responsibility we carry as first responders,” Gnesda said. “To be there when people need us the most. To offer hope in the face of despair. To make a difference no matter the cost.”

Col. David Spehar, deputy commander of the 127th Wing, shared his personal story about what it was like at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base on Sept. 11. Spehar said he hadn’t had enough experience to go out on missions but was on the base that day. There was a “skeleton crew” at the base at Selfridge, according to Spehar. He heard about the attack on the radio and rushed over. He said the line of National Guardsmen that came to the base that day to lend a hand was so great that some had to be turned away.

“By the time I got there, those people that were left had accelerated and got everything they could get flying ready to go,” Spehar said. “All the munitions were sitting out there on a line.”

Thinking back, Spehar remembers how angry he was about the attack being on American soil. He explained how he was ready to defend his country if there were further attacks and a full-scale invasion.

“I remember going home every night thinking, ‘I can’t believe it’s here, it’s in our backyard,’” Spehar said. “We can look back now and say, ‘Well, we know it was over after that.’ We didn’t know that at the time. There were coordinated strikes. It was well-planned and thought (out).”

He called on those in attendance to remember those who were lost on that day and those who served their country during and after the attack.

“Remember what it feels like to be bound together as Americans here over something that was supposed to be the darkest day in our history, turned into something that we can all bind on and be American brothers and sisters,” Spehar said.

The Spectrum Female Barbershop Quartet did renditions of “God Bless America” and the “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Clinton Township Police Department Sgt. Joshua Lundin performed “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes. The Police Department color guard presented and retired the colors. The ceremony was capped off by a rifle volley and taps by the VVA Chapter 154 Honor Guard.