Published September 15. 2026 03:15PM
Bearing flags and ubiquitous “Never Forget” attire, scores of police, fire and EMS first responders gathered at the Mission Barbecue restaurant, along Grape Street in Whitehall Sept. 11 to renew their pledge to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on America.
The ceremonies at the Whitehall restaurant have been held every year since Mission Barbecue opened there in 2016.
A large American flag held aloft between the extended aerial ladder trucks from Whitehall and Catasaqua fire departments was the centerpiece of the ceremonies, which included the singing of the national anthem, presentation of the colors from honor guardsmen from Allentown Fire Department and the Allentown Police Department, a volley of shots from Allentown honor guard riflemen, and the sounding of Taps by Bethlehem bugler Robert Sedlock Jr.
Veterans from all U.S. military branches were attired in regalia attesting to the conflicts where they served.
After the formal ceremonies ended, everyone was invited inside the restaurant for a free barbecue sandwich courtesy of Mission Barbecue.
Two New York City firefighters from a rescue engine station in Brooklyn, N.Y., were part of a contingent of FDNY firefighters who journey every year from New York City to attend the Lehigh Valley 9/11 ceremonies held every September in Whitehall.
Robert Sedlock Jr. of Bethlehem, sounds Taps at the 9/11 remembrance ceremonies held at the Mission Barbecue restaurant in Whitehall Sept. 11.
9/11 6 Flag-bearing military veterans and firefighters salute during the singing of the national anthem at 9/11 remembrance ceremonies.
Eastern Salisbury firefighter Kaysie Bauder sings the national anthem at the 9/11 “Never Forget” ceremony.
9/11 4 “Never Forget” attire was abundant at 9/11 remembrance ceremonies held at the Mission Barbecue.
PRESS PHOTOS BY JIM MARSHFirefighters from across the Lehigh Valley attended the 9/11 remembrance ceremonies held at the Mission Barbecue restaurant along Grape Street, Whitehall, on Sept. 11.
Salisbury resident Brandon Wentz (far right), was part of the participating Allentown Fire Department honor guard.
A crew of Eastern Salisbury Fire Department firefighters attending the 9/11 ceremony.
