Bearing flags and ubiquitous “Never Forget” attire, scores of police, fire and EMS first responders gathered Sept. 11 at Mission BBQ, 1421 Grape St., Whitehall, to renew their pledge to never forget 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 BBQ opened there in 2016.

A large American flag held aloft between the extended aerial ladder trucks from Whitehall and Catasauqua fire departments was the centerpiece of the ceremony, 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 ceremony ended, everyone was invited inside the restaurant for a free barbecue sandwich courtesy of Mission BBQ.