PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Greater Philadelphia Chamber of
Commerce President and CEO Mark S. Schweiker attended events in Harrisburg
today marking the second-year observance of the terrorist attacks on America.
Schweiker, who served as Pennsylvania's 44th governor before leaving
office in January, participated in two events with current Gov. Edward G.
Rendell.
Speaking briefly at a remembrance ceremony in Soldier's Grove at the
capital complex, Schweiker praised the heroism of those who willingly
sacrificed their lives.
"We gather here today for one reason, and one reason only -- to make sure
that we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice," Schweiker
said. "Freedom made its first stand that day. And it continues to make that
stand today. Because as Pennsylvanians, as Americans, we will accept nothing
less."
In a later ceremony, the city of Harrisburg and Gov. Rendell honored
Schweiker for his service to the state by naming Pennsylvania's new Urban
Search and Rescue Team (USAR) headquarters in his honor. PA Task Force One
was one of the first USAR teams to be activated for response to New York City
in the wake of the 9-11 disaster. New York City's own USAR team was killed in
the collapse of the Towers, leaving NYC without any trained rescue personnel
to do the work.
When Task Force One was deployed to New York City during the attacks,
Pennsylvania was left without its most highly trained emergency response
personnel. As a result, a second "Pennsylvania only" team was created by then
Gov. Schweiker.
The "Mark S. Schweiker Special Operations Center" will house vehicles,
heavy search and rescue equipment, communications gear, computers and other
specialized emergency rescue materials and supplies.
SOURCE Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
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Related links:
http://www.philachamber.com
CONTACT:
Richard G. Barnes of Greater Philadelphia
Chamber of Commerce, +1-215-790-3615, or rbarnes@philachamber.com
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