More than 3,000 flags have been placed at Warren County Memorial Park in preparation for the annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to be held at 6 p.m. today. Photo by Brian Ferry

WARREN, Pa. — For the 12th year, Warren County Memorial Park will host its Sept. 11 Memorial Service.

According to Ruth Seebeck, who’s been organizing the event for over a decade, the event is both an opportunity to “come together to remember a sad day in America’s history, but also a time to show our appreciation for those who protect us every day, the fire fighters, law enforcement officers, EMS workers, fire police, and the military.”

Seebeck said that the goal is to honor some of the best elements of society while still taking a moment out to remember the tragedy.

Over 3,000 flags have been placed on the hillside at Warren County Memorial Park, 20050 Route 6 in Starbrick, with 298 flags representing the soldiers, sailors marines, and airmen killed in the military action that followed the Sept. 11 terror attack. The flags also represent the first responders who were killed either during their response to the collapse of the World Trade Center or afterward due to exposure to chemicals and other toxins as a result of their response.

This year’s event begins at 6 p.m. with a keynote speaker whose sibling died on Flight 93, as well as music by the Chautauqua Shores and the Conewango Clippers. First responders and veterans will be honored as well. A motorcycle procession will leave the Warren Mall parking lot at 5 p.m. and proceed to the park with Sheriff’s Deputies escorting them. Refreshments and an informal concert will follow the 6 p.m. service.

And while, she said, things may change in the future, this is the last Sept. 11 memorial service she plans to organize. “Check back with me in a month and that may change,” said Seebeck, but for now she’s planning to hang up her service organizer hat after Monday.

Seebeck invited anyone with questions to call 814-723-1540 for more information.