MONTROSE, Pa. — At Daniel Crisman Park near Montrose, hundreds gathered to honor and remember all who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Singers, musicians, veterans, and speakers took turns throughout the ceremony to honor the tragedy that took place 23 years ago. One shared his first-hand experience of that day.
"I went to the 87th floor of the South Tower, got my day like every day of my life until I heard these six words that changed my life: 'Oh my god, what was that.' As I looked up, I saw a fireball go across the glass," said Louis Giaccardo, a 9/11 survivor.
Memories of that day are still painfully clear in the minds of many, decades later.
"It was scary to know that we were under attack, and then it continued with the Pentagon and Shanksville, and then we just wondered, 'What else, what else was going to happen,'" recalled Patti Caterson of Montrose.
"We were all just aghast and couldn't believe it. Figuring it was just an accident, and then a few minutes later, the second tower had fallen," added Judy McKee of Montrose.
Debbie Crisman built the memorial in South Montrose 22 years ago to honor her son, who was killed in the attack.
In the park, six stones list the names of all 3,000 people who passed away in the 9/11 attack, including a stone dedicated to the memory of Daniel Chrisman himself.
"We decided to come every year out of respect for Debbie Crisman. She lost her son on 9/11, and we want to support her in any way we can," said Ellen Allen of Montrose.
"She has made this park a real dedication to her son and the community as well, and you can see how well it's supported," added McKee.
Although the Daniel Crisman Memorial was built to honor one person, it's now a place where the entire community can unite so they may never forget.