BY STACI WILSON
The military honor guard stands in prayer at the 9-11 Memorial Service held Thursday, Sept. 11 at Daniel Crisman Memorial Park in South Montrose. The event marked the 13th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of Flight 93 in a field in Shanksville. The memorial park was constructed by Debbie Crisman in honor of her son, Daniel, who was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
September 11, 2001.
“It is a day that changed the world – for some more than others,” Bill Evans said during his remarks at the memorial ceremony held Thursday at Daniel Crisman Memorial Park in South Montrose.
The annual memorial remembrance marked the 13th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of Flight 93 in western Pennsylvania.
Evans is the father of Billy Evans, a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Company C., 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment who was killed in action in Iraq on Sept. 19, 2005.
Less than 10 days after his death, five other members of the 109th were also killed: SSG Daniel Arnold, SPC Oliver Brown, SFC George Pugliese, Sgt. Eric Slebodnik and Spc. Lee Wiegand.
Bill Evans, the father of William Evans, who was killed in action in Iraq in Sept. 2005 offered remarks at the Sept. 11 memorial ceremony. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
Evans said, “Over 3,000 lives were lost that day. Think of how many families were touched by this, and the wars that followed, including those that have since taken their own lives.”
Evans spoke of the memorials in the park dedicated to both Danny Crisman and Daniel Arnold.
“I didn’t know Dan (Arnold) but he was part of the group that helped get me son out of the vehicle he was in,” Evans said. “Each of them is a part of my life.”
“It’s still hard even after coming up on nine years,” he said of his son’s death.
Although lives were cut short, Evans said shared memories with friends and family help to keep the spirit of those lost alive.
He also spoke of recent world events, including the destabilization of Iraq. “Look around and see what is happening all over the world,” he said.
Evans ended his remarks with a quote from President Ronald 
Reagan: “We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free.”
Two fire trucks suspended a large American flag across the entrance, leading attendees to the memorial ceremony.
Rep. Sandra Major also offered remarks during the ceremony.
Despite the strong breeze that carried away the day’s earlier rains, those at the ceremony lit candles while Hayden Brunges sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Veterans and scouts offered salutes as Taps played was played by Bud Wilcox.
Bridgewater Baptist Church lead pastor Bob Kadlecik offered the closing prayer.
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