Published September 17. 2026 10:09AM
Bearing flags and wearing “Never Forget” apparel, scores of police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel gathered Sept. 11 at Mission BBQ on Grape Street in Whitehall to honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The ceremony has been held annually since the restaurant opened in Whitehall in 2016.
A large American flag suspended between aerial ladder trucks from the Whitehall and Catasauqua fire departments served as the centerpiece of the observance. The program included the national anthem, presentation of the colors by honor guards from the Allentown Fire Department and Allentown Police Department, a rifle volley by Allentown honor guard members and the playing of taps by Bethlehem bugler Robert Sedlock Jr.
Veterans representing all branches of the U.S. military wore attire reflecting their service.
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited into the restaurant for a complimentary barbecue sandwich provided by Mission BBQ.
Press Photos by Jim MarshFirefighters from across the Lehigh Valley attend the 9/11 remembrance ceremonies held at the Mission Barbecue restaurant along Grape Street in Whitehall.
ABOVE: A crew of Eastern Salisbury Fire Department firefighters attend the 9/11 “Never Forget” remembrance ceremony.
Eastern Salisbury firefighter Kaysie Bauder sings the national anthem.
Flag-bearing military veterans and firefighters salute during the singing of the National Anthem.
LEFT: “Never Forget” attire is abundant.
