Members of the Ashland community gathered Thursday to remember the 2,977 people killed during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honor the first responders whose courage emerged from one of the darkest days in American history.
Ashland Marks 25 Years Since September 11
The 25th-anniversary memorial service was hosted jointly by the Washington Fire Company, Martha Washington Auxiliary, and Ashland Fire Department.
“Twenty-five years later, we remember not only the tragedy but also the compassion, courage, unity, and strength that emerged in its aftermath,” those attending were told.
Ceremony Honors Victims and First Responders
Boy Scouts presented the colors before the crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance and joined in the National Anthem. The service also included the Fireman’s Prayer, the singing of “God Bless America,” the ringing of church and firehouse bells, and a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace.”
Speakers recalled the nearly 3,000 victims who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard the four hijacked aircraft. Those killed included 343 New York City firefighters, dozens of law enforcement officers, 125 people at the Pentagon, and 40 passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville.
The service also recognized the thousands of people who later died from cancers and respiratory illnesses connected to exposure to dust and debris at Ground Zero.
Local Reflections on September 11
Former Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph Groody recalled being on police duty in Ashland when the attacks began. After receiving a telephone call from his sister about the first plane, he watched the second plane strike the World Trade Center on a resident’s television.
Shortly afterward, a high-rise fire alarm sounded in the area. Although it proved to be a false alarm, Groody recalled the fear and uncertainty that swept across the country that morning.
Another reflection, titled “What a Difference a Day Makes,” contrasted everyday life on Monday, September 10, with the unity and selflessness Americans displayed one day later.
“On Monday, there were people trying to separate people by race, sex, color, and creed,” Groody stated. “On Tuesday, they were all holding hands.”
It continued, “On Monday, we were men and women, black or white, young or old, rich or poor, gay or straight, Christian or non-Christian. On Tuesday, we were all Americans.”
Ashland Fire Service and Community Support Recognized
The ceremony also recognized the people who continue supporting Ashland’s volunteer fire service. The Martha Washington Auxiliary was described as a financial and operational backbone of the department, raising money while also providing firefighters with food and drinks during emergency calls.
Kathy Newhouser was recognized for arranging storefront displays at Payne's Flower Shop featuring fire coats and helmets, while Judy Brown of the Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society was acknowledged for creating displays honoring local firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and police officers.
The challenges facing volunteer fire companies were also addressed. With fewer active volunteers available, Ashland’s first-alarm assignments now include mutual aid departments from Girardville and Lavelle to provide additional manpower.
Memorial Roll Call Honors Local Members
As part of the service, a memorial roll call honored local fire company and auxiliary members who died during 2025 and 2026:
- Charles Hoskie — 45 years of service
- William “Bill” Urbanowicz — 50 years of service
- John J. “Jake” O'Donnell — past president and 46-year member
- Ruth Anne O’Donnell — past president of the auxiliary
- Edward Donald Watters — 67 years of service
- John “Jack” Finlan — 53 years of service
- William “Bill” McFadden — captain, past assistant chief, and 63-year member
- Frank Paul — 55 years of service
The bells and bagpipes brought the gathering back to its central purpose: remembering those who were lost, honoring those who answered the call for help, and preserving the unity and compassion witnessed in the aftermath of September 11.
Videos from the Ashland 9/11 Memorial Service
Photos from the Ashland 9/11 Memorial Service
