‘Dedicated to service’: Bridgeville event honors first responders, memorializes 9/11 lives lost

From the shock, uncertainty, sadness and dread surrounding the events of Sept. 11, 2001, rose certain signs of positivity.

Lt. Col. Ronald Gaudelli recalls the overwhelming benevolence.

“In the days that followed, people from across the country donated their time, resources and efforts to organize and assist those in need,” he said, “not to glorify themselves or their organizations, but because they were and are dedicated to service.”

The deputy commander of the Army’s 201st Military History Detachment served as a guest speaker at Bridgeville memorial service marking the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans.

Bridgeville native Robert Colin, a 1970 graduate of Chartiers Valley High School, was among them.

Joining Gaudelli in providing comments at the service, which the Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus hosted at Holy Child Church, were John Phoennik, South Fayette police chief, and state Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Bridgeville.

“I remember feeling so proud to be a first responder after hearing about how police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel went into these buildings in such a selfless act of heroism,” Phoennik said about the twin towers of New York City’s World Trade Center, the collapse of which resulted in most of the day’s fatalities.

In recognition of the enduring vital role of people in such capacities, the Bridgeville event served to honor first responders from the borough and nearby municipalities.

“These responders, when faced with these situations, do their jobs regardless of what may happen. Why? Because it’s in their nature and their blood,” Phoennik said. “Whether it’s fighting a fire, keeping peace or handling a medical event, these first responders are our community’s heroes.”

‘Never forget their commitment’

Robinson, who in September 2001 was in the process of joining the U.S. Marine Corps, spoke of the valor displayed by those who rushed to perform their duties amid the chaos at the World Trade Center.

“They woke up that day, said goodbye to their families — like we do every day — made plans for the rest of that day, the rest of that week and the rest of their lives,” he said. “And they couldn’t fulfill their future plans, because they were busy fulfilling their oath to their fellow citizens.”

He gave a reminder of the commonly heard vow in the aftermath: Never forget.

“I say, never forget their commitment. They didn’t just become heroes on 9/11. They were heroes every day before that. They used their life to ensure that so many others could live,” Robinson said. “We owe those who gave their lives 21 years ago a debt of gratitude. But we also owe those who continue to serve us to this day an equal debt of gratitude.”

Also meriting acknowledgement were members of the armed forces.

“The military experienced a surge in recruits after Sept. 11, when it was clear that what President Bush called the War on Terror was going to need service members to fight it,” Gaudelli said. “Twenty-one years after this tragedy, men and women of all backgrounds continue to selflessly serve this great nation, ready to deploy and fight to win decisively against any adversary, anytime and anywhere.”

‘We must stand in unity’

Mark Zik, the Knights of Columbus member who served as master of ceremonies at Holy Child, expressed comparable sentiments.

“We tend to forget that we are a nation at war, and we have been since Sept. 11, 2001,” he said. “We go about our daily business, not unlike what we have been doing all our lives, and the war seems very distant. Make no mistake. Those young men and women serving to protect you and me understand very clearly that we are a nation at war with a cunning and ruthless enemy.”

Winning such a confrontation, Phoennik’s opinion, involves more than a military commitment.

“Looking back on this day, I can honestly say I’ve never seen our country as patriotic as it was then,” he said about the pervasive attitude of 21 years ago. “Somewhere along the way, we lost that. We as Americans must find a way back to this collective unity.

“In unity, the United States has significance and strength throughout the world. Our people are our strength. We must stand in unity with all Americans, regardless of religion, background or politics. This is how the U.S. leads: through its people.”