Leetsdale 9/11 Memorial Service Pays Tribute to Servicemen

After organizing a 9/11 memorial service on the one-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, Pete Poninsky felt it made sense to host another ceremony, this time on the 10th anniversary. 

Poninsky spent months organizing and raising funds for the , which takes place at dusk Sunday in the borough.

The ceremony honors present veterans, policemen, firemen and EMS personnel, as well as those who have died.

A candlelight parade will begin at the Leetsdale Borough offices and will end at the Leetsdale Memorial in off Ferry Street, where a brief ceremony will take place.

“We’re lining luminaries around the Honor Roll. Everything will be lit,” Poninsky said.

Poninsky told Patch that he’s raised more than $2,500 in funds for the service and plans to send some to the .

“The money I raised exceeds what (the service) is going to cost. Any money left will be donated to Shanksville,” Poninsky said.

As mayor of Leetsdale, Poninsky told the public at a recent council meeting that he makes $85 a month before taxes. Poninsky made it clear that he has used his stipend, in addition to his own money, to put on the memorial service. Funds raised will help pay for two at the service.

“Leetsdale Borough has not donated a dime,” Poninsky said, adding that he doesn’t want a donation from the borough.

Poninsky along with the police and , also put on a for the community last weekend. Poninsky said the picnic was also put on without the use of borough funds and attracted dozens of residents.

“Sixty residents showed up and had a good time – rain and all,” he said.

Leetsdale’s 9/11 Memorial Service begins at approximately 8 p.m. and the public is invited.

“Everyone will be on foot,” Poninsky said.