Fire departments and emergency responders across the Bradford
area will show their colors this Patriot Day -ðSept. 11 -ðto
observe the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Richard “Moody” Zmuda of the Bradford City Fire Department, a
co-organizer of the day’s event, said Monday the Bradford
Ministerium, as well as the city fire department and the Bradford
Township, Derrick City, Lewis Run, Corydon Township, Rew and
Lafayette Township volunteer fire departments are planning to
participate in the Patriot Day events.

“We will have a small memorial service similar to those held the
first two years after (the) attacks (in 2001),” Zmuda said.

In 2002 and 2003, the city emergency responders held memorial
services at the First United Methodist Church and had a small
procession of vehicles through the city, ending with the lighting
of the Firefighters’ Monument in Oak Hill Cemetery.

The event this year is being held, not only as an observation of
the anniversary of Sept. 11, but to “honor our fallen brothers
before, on that day, and since,” Zmuda said. He said organizers
want to show respect for troops and emergency responders in the war
overseas, as well as those fighting catastrophe here at home.

At 5 p.m., he said, there will be a barbecue at the Bradford
City central fire station for those firefighters planning to
participate in the procession. As of Monday, three local businesses
– Wal-Mart, Tops Friendly Markets and Parkview Supermarket –
donated food for the barbecue.

At 6:30 p.m., a memorial service will be held at the First
United Methodist Church on Chestnut Street, with members of the
Bradford Ministerium speaking and officiating.

After the service, likely to be between 7:30 and 8 p.m., Zmuda
said, the procession of emergency vehicles will travel through the
city and to Oak Hill for the lighting of the monument.

Zmuda said organizers ask residents interested in watching the
procession to line the streets from Chestnut to Main, Main to Davis
and out to Jackson Avenue. In a special request this year, Zmuda
said those planning to spectate are asked to bring an American flag
or lit candle, if possible.

The procession will stop at the top of Jackson Avenue for a
moment of silence, he said, and then disperse at Seaward Avenue.
The monument will be lit at dark while the procession is in
progress.

Other companies, including the police, fire departments and
emergency responders of the area are invited to participate, Zmuda
said.

The planning committee, in addition to Zmuda and those in the
Bradford Ministerium, include Jeff Valerius Jr., Rick Grandinetti,
Jim Long and Dan Burkhouse, all of the Bradford Township Volunteer
Fire Department.