Collingdale honors two heroes posthumously at annual Patriot Day observance - The Delaware County Daily Times
COLLINGDALE — Collingdale held a Patriot Day observance Saturday at the Collingdale Community Center, remembering all those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in United Airlines Flight 93.
The local ceremony also focused on two deceased heroes, Rick Rescoria and Anthony Alexander Jr., who both tragically lost their own lives after heroically saving the lives of others, and who both posthumously received a civilian award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Collingdale police Cpl. Bill Carter welcomed guests and talked about the tragic events of 9/11, as well as the heroic sacrifices made by so many, including Rescorla of Newark, N.J., who died while working at the World Trade Center. Carter had read about Rescoria and wanted to share the heroic story of that man's selfless actions with others in the community, and pay tribute.
Rescorla was working as vice president of security at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11.
When American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower, he reacted according to the training he had and the plans he developed following the 1993 terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center. Against the advice of officials, he ordered an immediate evacuation of all 2,700 Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. employees from the building and led them to safety.
After the evacuation, United Flight 175 hit the South Tower, he then re-entered the building to search for survivors. He was never seen again. Due to Rescorla's heroic actions, more than 2,700 lives were saved that day.
"The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Rick Rescorla is an inspiration and credit to the state of New Jersey and to his fellow Americans," Carter stated. "All but 13 of his staff survived the 9/11 attacks."
Carter then read all of the deceased staff's names.
On March 25, 2009, Rescorla was posthumously awarded the Above and Beyond Citizen Honor Award. Living members of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, along with Rescorla's children, accepted the honor on his behalf.
"As we remember and share stories of bravery, we honor all those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on United Airlines Flight 93," Carter told those who gathered Saturday. "We show our support to all defenders of our freedom past, present and future. This is our duty. In the words of Rick Rescorla, 'Today is a day to be proud to be an American.' "
During Saturday's ceremony, Collingdale Mayor Donna Matteo-Spadea led the Pledge of Allegiance; Bill Burns, of the First Baptist Church of Collingdale, sang the national anthem; Tom Heckman played "Amazing Grace" on his bagpipes; and the Rev. Perry Messick of the First Baptist Church of Collingdale led the crowd in prayer.
A "Never Forget 9/11" wreath was placed at the Collingdale Memorial Site by Collingdale Sgt. Patrick Kilroy.
During the ceremony, a memorial park bench to honor the memory of the late Anthony Alexander Jr. was unveiled by his parents, Anthony and Ava Alexander.
The Collingdale Athletic Club raised money to create the bench as a tribute to Anthony Jr. and engraved it with his name. Anthony Alexander Jr., was lauded a hero in February 2021 after his quick actions saved three young children from drowning.
Afterward, the 16-year-old received multiple awards for his heroism, including a civilian award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Anthony Jr. tragically passed away on Jan. 29, 2023.
While watching an Eagles game in Upper Darby, he was shot while with friends, who allegedly had a loaded gun that accidentally discharged, causing the tragedy. The bench will be placed in Collingdale Park later this month.
Mothers of Multiples hold children's consignment sale
The Main Line Mothers of Multiples will have its Fall Children's Consignment Sale, 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Brookhaven Borough Hall, 2 Cambridge Road.
Shoppers can pay $5 to shop early, ahead of the crowd.
The sale will feature children's clothing, toys, strollers and other baby and kids' gear. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. For more information: "Main Line Moms Sale" on Facebook.
Media VFW Post 3460 welcomes essay contest entries
Media VFW Post 3460 is now accepting entries for two VFW National youth essay contests.
The Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Contest for 2023-24 offers a grand prize of $5,000. This year's theme is "How are you inspired by America?"
Students in grades six, seven and eight, in public, private or parochial schools, or who are homeschooled, and who are registered by the Tuesday, Oct. 31 deadline, are eligible to enter.
The 2023 Voice of Democracy Youth Essay Contest for 2023-24 has a grand prize is a $35,000. This year's theme is "What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?" Students in grades 9-12 from public, private or parochial schools and home-schooled students who register by Oct. 31, are eligible to enter. Entry deadline is also Oct. 31.
School administrators, teachers or students who are interested in participating in either of these two essay contests should send an email to billpost3460@gmail.com or call the post at 610-566-9980 for more essay contest details
Healing Hands of Gardenia and The Black Equity Coalition unite
The Black Equity Coalition will join forces with Healing Hands of Gardenia to present a Health and Wellness Community Day in Delaware County from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Furey Road Fieldhouse, 8500 Furey Road, Upper Chichester Township.
The community day aims to foster unity and promote health-conscious living within the community. Attendees can look forward to a plethora of attractions, including moon bounces, face painting, stilt walkers, giveaways, pet adoptions, CPR certifications, games, live music, raffles, food, dance performances, and free COVID-19 vaccinations. Everyone in Delaware County is welcome.
The groups provided the following details:
The event will feature a diverse lineup of vendors, offering products and services, including Barkley's BBQ, Foundation For Delaware County, Pit Magic Smoked Cuisine, Delaware County Community College, Stephen Milburn LPC, Boys & Girls Club of Chester, Virgo's Maintenance Food Services, None Will Fail, Tracy McLendon Entrepreneur, Shirley's Fried Ice Cream, SoSo Crochets, Drink Like A Lady, Inspirational Journals 4 U, Health Educated Inc., Bundtiful Delights, Llevate Dance Studio, Levan Gordan Gatekeepers, Aetna Medicare, Missing Peace Financial Group, Smile Again Cruise and Travel, Salma Home Care, JM Health Plan, Unboxed Olbali, KoolKraftKidz LLC and many more.
The event was made possible through the generosity of the following partners and sponsors: Healing Hands of Gardenia, Chespenn, Vinson Therapeutic Collective, Pettaway Pursuit Foundation, All Faiths Funeral Services, Making a Change Group, SEMACK Home Care and Transportation, Ceasefire PA, Delaware County Health Department, Health Partners/Jefferson Health, Rags to Riches Rescue, Healing Hands of Gardenia Training Institute, and Delaware County.
The coalition is a nonprofit organization comprised of physicians, nurses, researchers, epidemiologists, public health and health care practitioners, social scientists, community funders, academics, activists, government officials, and nonprofit and business leaders.
The group initially formed to ensure an equitable response to the coronavirus pandemic, but has now expanded its mission to optimize community-oriented preventive and primary health care services for medically underserved and to address the structural, political and social determinants of health for the under-resourced, ethnic minorities, undocumented persons, and other vulnerable populations.
For more information and updates about the Health and Wellness Community Day, contact Kimberly Charleston at 302-480-0935 or healinghandsofgardenia@gmail.com/.
Sonic Foundation supports education by funding teachers' requests
Sonic Drive-In is dedicated to getting teachers and students the classroom supplies they need for the new school year.
In August, the Sonic Foundation donated $1 million to help fund requests on DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers.
The $1 million donation is part of the Sonic's ongoing Limeades for Learning initiative. Through Limeades for Learning, the brand donates a portion of proceeds from every drink, slush and shake purchase to the foundation, which then supports local public education.
The following exceptional local teachers received support through the funding:
• In Sharon Hill, Young-Doe at Sharon Hill School received a donation of $67 for the project Monthly Rewards for Grades 3 to 5.
• In Upper Darby, Megan Kaestle at Stonehurst Hills Elementary School received a donation of $50 for the project First Year in First for Grades PreK to 2.
• In Yeadon, Patrick Hein at Penn Wood 9th Grade Academy received a donation of $282 for the project New Woodwinds!! for Grades 9 to 12.
For more information, visit http://DonorsChoose.org.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com/.
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