This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church Honors First Responders

Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church holds 10th anniversary memorial service for those who died during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

As people entered in Salisbury Township, past the mournful sound of bagpipes of the Liberty High School Grenadier Band playing outside, they spoke about where they were that day 10 years ago.

In the back of the hall, a woman silently wept.

A half-hour before the church's 10th anniversary memorial service of Sept. 11 was set to start, the cavernous church was almost filled to capacity.

Find out what's happening in Lower Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The service, called “Never Forget…Hope," began solemnly with presentation of the colors -- two flags inscribed with the names of victims and first responders who died.

A prayer was offered and congregants joined in heartfelt renditions of “Amazing Grace,” “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” Then a video about 9/11 was shown that included an interview with of Salisbury Township, whose son, Bill, died at the World Trade Center.

Find out what's happening in Lower Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The couple briefly spoke about their son, who worked on the 103rd floor of the north tower, and described him as a kind, humorous man.

“It was some consolation that he was where he wanted to be,” Bill Sugra said.

The still-grieving parents said they have learned to be more empathetic and to have more hope and faith.

Many in the crowd sniffled and wiped their eyes.

Then the tone of the service shifted.

“One of the positive outcomes is that we now have a greater understanding and appreciation for first responders. 9/11 has opened our eyes in such a way to what these people do,” said the Rev. Scott Kappes.

Representatives from the , Fogelsville Fire Department, Whitehall Township Fire Department, Allentown Fire Department, Allentown Police Department, Allentown Ambulance, Cetronia Ambulance, Emmaus Ambulance, Macungie Ambulance, Cetronia Fire Department, Woodlawn Fire Department, Tri-Clover Volunteer Fire Department, Greenawalds Fire Department, South Whitehall Township Police and South Whitehall Township Emergency Management were all recognized -- the audience showing its support with thunderous applause.

“” Kappes said. “Today we are recognizing another military conflict—9/11.”

Kappes presented a plaque that acknowledges the 418 first responders who died Sept. 11, 2001 and the service and sacrifice of first responders in the community.

“We are truly thankful and we honor what you do,” he said.

During the last segment of the service -- titled “Hope” -- FBI Agent David J. LeValley spoke about his experience on Sept. 11, 2001.

LeValley, who had previously lived in Bethlehem, said he came to know some of the first responders in the Lehigh Valley and appreciated the sacrifice all emergency workers make.

“The reality is, . You respond every day. Bad things happen every day,” he said. “9/11 certainly took its toll—343 firefighters died, 60 police officers and eight EMTs. That is quite a toll for a single day of service.”

LeValley then spoke about his experience on that day.

“It was a beautiful morning—crisp blue skies. You would think nothing could go wrong,” he said.

He was driving to his office, which was about four blocks from the World Trade Center, when the first plane hit. When he received the news, he drove as close to the area as he could, parked his car, put on a helmet and bulletproof vest and went to see what he could do to help.

“I knew I was in for a horrific sight,” he said.

When the first tower began to collapse, LeValley ran about half a block and ducked into the archway of a building, which kept him safe.

“I [thought] from the noise, smoke, crashes we were seeing, ‘This is how I am going to go. This is how I am going to meet my maker,’” LeValley said. “I wasn’t afraid. It was a sense of resignation. I wasn’t afraid because back in 1985, I trusted Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior and I knew if I died that I would be in heaven. That is the most important rescue of all—what Jesus Christ can do for us.”

The service concluded with stirring renditions of “We Shall Overcome” and “Lean on Me.”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Lower Macungie