Hanover Township held its 22nd annual Patriot Day ceremony in front of the township’s recreation center Sept. 11, commemorating the loss, sacrifice and service of Americans killed in the terrorist attacks that day, and who continue to deal with the ramifications of the attack on their physical and emotional health.

Township commissioner John Diacogiannis spoke about how the loss of friends and business associates working in the World Trade Center that fateful morning has impacted him since. He asked for a moment of silence so attendees could contemplate the losses.

Guest speaker Brigadier General Timothy Brooks (PA Ret.) quoted President George W. Bush, saying, “This is a day when all Americans unite.” Brooks noted that the people of the United States have many things and opportunities because “We are America.”

Boy Scouts from Troops 318, 352, 359 and 3193 were joined by Cub Scouts from packs 352, 360 and 368 as they conducted a flag retirement ceremony of faded, worn and damaged American flags to end the Patriot Day service. The scouts folded each flag, and passed them by hand to burning barrels into which scout leaders placed them to be destroyed.