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The Band of the Northeast Performs for 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

  • Published
  • By TSgt Shawn Estes
  • ANG Band of the Northeast
HARRISBURG, PA --  The Air National Guard Band of the Northeast performed on Sunday, September 11 2016 at the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum,  1820 N 4th St, Harrisburg, PA for the Remembering 9/11 Memorial Service.  The Band of the Northeast performed the National Anthem and two musical interludes, as well as providing pre- and post-ceremony music.

Also providing music for the ceremony were a senior vocal group The Sentimentalists, and the Lochiel Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.

This year's guest speakers for the event included Pennsylvania Representative Patty Kim 103rd Legislative District, Pennsylvania Senator Rob Teplitz 15th Senatorial District, Pennsylvania Representative Sheryl Delozier 88th Legislative District, and Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Captain James R. Grismer.

Captain James R. Grismer is the current commander of Ladder 16 in Manhattan.  Captain Grismer was assigned to Ladder 13 on 9/11/2001.  He was scheduled to work on that day, but had changed shifts with fellow firefighter and close friend Thomas Hetzel.  Thomas Hetzel was one of nine members of his fire company who lost their lives that day.

Captain Grismer vividly recalled personal experiences on that day 15 years ago.  He recalled a variety of emotions that day, including "Shock, depression, anger, mostly anger".

After remarks by the guest speakers, local first responders laid wreaths for the fallen.  Master Sergeant Jeffrey Pautz played taps.

Fallen firefighters were honored by the Ringing of 5 5 5.  This tradition for honoring fallen firefighters dates back to when fire departments used the telegraph to communicate.  When a firefighter died in the line of duty, the fire alarm office would tap out a special signal. That signal was five measured dashes, then a pause, then five measured dashes, another pause...then five more dashes.  This became universally known as the Tolling of the Bell.

In attendance were a large number of area first responders and members of the local community.  The Progress Fire Company and Harrisburg Fire Department flew a large American flag from the raised ladders on two of their engines.

"We commemorate and pay tribute to the victims and their families, as well as all of the first responders that risked their lives during this tragedy." Said Captain Joseph Denti, Commander Air National Guard Band of the Northeast.  "They are true heroes.
Specifically, Captain Jim Grismer, FDNY who spoke about his first hand account and recollection of September 11, 2001.  It was extremely emotional listening to him talk about losing his best friends and a speech never to be forgotten.  It certainly gives us a strong sense of pride performing the National Anthem, America the Beautiful, God Bless America, and Taps on this 15th year of remembrance."

There were 2996 casualties resulting from the attacks on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville Pennsylvania including 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, and 55 military personnel.