DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette People listen as state Rep. Joe Hamm delivers a very emotional speech before the start of the 9/11 Memorial Ride.

Several local officials were on-hand for this year’s event, including state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, county commissioners Scott Metzger and Mark Mussina, as well as county Sheriff Mark Lusk and Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Spiegel, state Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, who delivered the keynote address.

“24 years ago, our country was forever changed. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were stolen in the deadliest attack on American soil,” Hamm said.

“Families were devastated. Fathers didn’t come home to their families. Mothers never made it back to their kids. Sons and daughters were taken far too soon. 24 years ago, we were reminded that freedom is not free and that we must always be ready to defend it,” he said.

“Heroes were born that day. We saw what makes America great, our courage,” Hamm said.

“Over 25% of Americans today weren’t even born yet when our country was attacked in 2001, much like Pearl Harbor has been shared with generations of Americans, we must make sure that we share what happened on 9/11 with future generations. We can never, ever forget,” Hamm said.

Hamm then turned his attention to the first responders who put the safety of others above their own that fateful day and every day.

“I want to talk about the heroes that stepped forward and gave their lives on September 11, 2001. The selfless men and women who showed incredible amounts of courage moments after the attack. The men and women who ran into the towers and into the Pentagon, knowing that they weren’t going to come back out, Hamm said.

“Firefighters, police officers, EMS, personnel. We lost 343 firefighters that day, 71 law enforcement officers, heroes,” he said.

“Looking at a building that is burning, that is collapsing, people rushing out, and these heroes rushed in because they wanted to make sure they could save as many lives as they possibly could,” Hamm continued. “That’s what makes America the greatest nation in the world. … the courage of our firefighters, law enforcement and EMS personnel, it’s second to none.”

“Remember, honor and ride for the heroes who not only were courageous, but that made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation. You should also remember and honor our men and women in the military. They’re spread across this world, serving on the front lines, never knowing what may come their way,” Hamm urged.

Following Hamm’s speech, Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company Chief Todd Winder presented a plaque to Lusk, whose help, he said, was invaluable to keeping the ride going strong.

“Without your assistance over the years, this event would not be what it is today, and we are forever grateful,” the plaque read, in part.

The 9/11 Memorial Coalition would then be honored with a plaque of appreciation, courtesy of the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club.