2007 News
Bucks County Remembers: Commissioners, President Judge Host Sept. 11 Anniversary Ceremony
During a solemn morning event featuring a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. – the moment of impact when the first jetliner struck Manhattan’s World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001 – Bucks County paid homage to the victims of that unforgettable tragedy and to the county’s 16 military heroes who have given their lives in the War on Terror.
“We are gathered here on Patriot’s Day in remembrance of one of the most painful days in American history,” Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin told a gathering of several hundred that included members of the fire, police, emergency management and health, as well as the corrections community.
As ladder trucks from Doylestown Fire Company No. 1 and the Plumstead Fire Company elevated an American flag at the intersection of Court and Pine streets, eight members of the Central Bucks West choir performed the National Anthem. Following an invocation by Pastor Keith Crawford-Roberts, representing the Presbyterian Church of Deep Run in Bedminster, bagpiper Timothy Bennett of the Warrington Police Department played a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
“September 11, 2001 will forever be known as a day of great courage,” Commissioner James F. Cawley told the assemblage before reading the names of the 17 individuals with Bucks County ties who passed away in the terrorist attacks. “It’s altogether fitting that it be known as Patriot’s Day.”
Commissioner Sandra A. Miller paid tribute to the 16 Bucks County patriots, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the War on Terror, including U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Travis L. Manion and Army Ranger Pfc. Kristofor T. Stonesifer. Seated in the first row during the ceremony were Manion’s parents, Thomas and Jannette, and Stonesifer’s mother, Ruth.
“Hundreds of Bucks County citizens serve in the armed forces, including 13 county employees who have been deployed on active duty in support of the War on Terror,” Commissioner Miller noted.
President Judge David Heckler also offered poignant remarks, evoking tones of American patriotism and commitment. “I know of no nation that has given so many lives, not in an attempt to conquer, but in defense of freedom,” Judge Heckler said.
The keynote address was delivered by U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Major Gen. Ronald K. Nelson, who spoke of his memories as a 10-year-old boy, upon learning that Japanese forces had executed a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
“Today is a day to recognize where we are in history,” Gen. Nelson, who was dressed in desert camouflage, told a captivated audience. “As a nation, we face daunting challenges. We must unite red and blue to win the War on Terror.”
Commissioner Martin also announced the kickoff of a county campaign to collect items to send to American soldiers in Iraq and other parts of the world. Through September, which is National Preparedness Month, employees and visitors to the county courthouse are encouraged to place items such as shampoo, hand sanitizer and hard candy into specially marked bins located on the second floor and at the window of the Public Information Office. For more information about items that are helpful to members of our Armed Services, please visit the website www.soldiersangels.org.
Following is a list of the 17 Bucks Countians who perished on Sept. 11, 2001:
- Michael A. Bane – Yardley
- Lorraine Bay – Langhorne
- James P. Berger – Lower Makefield
- Jeffrey M. Chairnoff – Lower Makefield
- Peter Chirchirillo – Langhorne
- William R. Godshalk – Lower Makefield
- Donald G. Havlish, Jr. – Yardley
- Donald W. Jones – Fairless Hills
- William H. Kelly, Jr. – Lower Makefield
- Joseph Lostrangio – Langhorne
- Louis Nacke – New Hope
- Joshua Reiss – Lower Makefield
- John Michael Rodak- Southampton
- Victor Saracini – Yardley
- Larry Senko – Lower Makefield
- William Steiner – Lower Makefield
- Sandra Wright – Langhorne
Following is a list of the 16 Bucks County heroes who have given their lives in the War on Terror:
- Kristofor T. Stonesifer, Oct. 19, 2001
- Patrick R. Nixon, March 23, 2003
- William J. Maher, III, Yardley, July 28, 2003
- Brian R. Faunce, Bensalem, Sept. 18, 2003
- Tamarra J. Ramos, Quakertown, Oct. 1, 2003
- Maurice J. Johnson, Levittown, Nov. 1, 2003
- Edward W. Brabazon, Bensalem, March 9, 2004
- Barton R. Humlhanz, Hellertown, Aug. 26, 2004
- Robert T. Mininger, Sellersville, June 6, 2005
- Kurt E. Krout, Spinnerstown, Aug. 6, 2005
- Nathaniel E. DeTample, Falls Twp., Aug. 9, 2005
- Jae S. Moon, Levittown, Dec. 25, 2006
- Travis L. Manion, Doylestown, April 29, 2007
- Colby J. Umbrell, Doylestown, May 3, 2007
- Robert H. Dembowski, Ivyland, May 24, 2007
- Allen J. Dunckley, Yardley, May 25, 2007