Matamoras, PA 2025 Memorial 9-11 Service
- Sharon E. Siegel
- Sep 12, 2025
- 2 min read
MATAMORAS, PA -- On Thursday, September 11, 2025 a candlelight ceremony was held at Matamoras' Veterans Memorial Park & Education Center in remembrance of the 24th anniversary of the tragedies of 9-11-2001.
Military Melodies were performed by The Broome Street Band and vocals by Hope Church Choir, prayer led by Pastors Butch Gilpin and Will Green, and welcome and special remarks by Matamoras Mayor Cory Homer.
Multiple scout, veteran, and emergency service units were present to participate including Devore Quinn American Legion Post #486, Boy Scout Troop 1071, Matamoras Volunteer Fire Department, Eastern Pike Regional Police Department, EMS, and the Matamoras Borough Council and Veterans Park Board members.
The guest speaker, retired NYC Firefighter Chris Edwards, shared his memories of the day he said will never end -- 9-1--2001, and what thoughts and actions surrounded him that day and onward. This was Edwards' third presentation of the day, following a morning recounting of the day at the Town of Deerpark 9-11 ceremony, then a NYC presentation, and this taking him into the candlelight ceremony at Matamoras Veterans Park.
Edwards, tearful at times, said he has shed many tears for the losses that continue to happen as a result of exposures during 9-11, but his message above the memories he carries of these tremendous losses is one that he says helps him daily and what he encourages others to realize.
"The bad was really bad, but the goodness that came from this is greater. The thousands that were there but did not lose their lives, and the actions that others took to help were greater," he said. "Ordinary citizens were unified and came by the thousands to help in so many ways, immediately. I urge everyone to always share stories and remember what was lost that day, though. If my brothers and sisters are always remembered, they won't die. I just don't want them to die."
The park's new concrete sidewalks were also dedicated during this ceremony -- sidewalks that lead to each of the dozens of monuments remembering America's sacrifices and heroes of past wars. Park Board member Richard Weber urged all to visit the park and memorials, and to continue to learn about the memorials and their meaning. And his own heartfelt message to Chris Edwards and other firefighters and emergency responders?
"Mr. Edwards, and that t-shirt that's in the bag on your shelf -- you never have to wear that, sir. But you are a hero. You are a true hero. And so are all of the firefighters in the crowd. You're all heroes to me," Weber said.
Weber assured Edwards that the words Edwards shared would remain with him, personally, for the rest of his life.
Dozens were present of the ceremony that concluded with candlelight supplied by organizers.
Video of Ceremony:
Brief Video Clip:
Photo Gallery:
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