Across region, people pay tribute to lives lost on 9/11

All across the nation, and here in our communities, many paused to mark the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks - and remember those who lost their lives.

One of the larger gatherings took place this evening in Lower Makefield.

A solemn tribute with song and prayer as hundreds gathered at the Garden of Reflection to remember.

The names of 18 Bucks County residents who died on 9/11 were read aloud.

Followed by a toll of the bell.

"My father made the decision that fateful day to lead his people to the elevators and to safety," said Nick Berger, victim's son.

Fifteen years have passed, but Nick Berger says his father, James, who died in the World Trade Center, hasn't left.

"I have felt and experienced his presence in my life in this past year more than ever before. He is far from gone," said Berger.

Throughout the Delaware Valley people remembered.

The national anthem began a ceremony of remembrance in Pennsauken, New Jersey.

Members of the community, firefighters and government leaders gathered at the township's 9/11 memorial to pay tribute - 2,997 American flags were planted to honor each life lost that fateful day.

Hours earlier, at exactly 9:11, runners kicked off the Camden County Heroes Run at Cooper River Park. The 5K fundraiser supports veterans and the families of fallen service members and first responders.

In Wilmington, Delaware, Bishop W. Francis Malooly said a special mass at Saint Hedwig Church to pray for peace. A firefighter's gear rested on the altar, a sign of the sacrifice so many made.

And in Philadelphia, representatives from the fire and police departments were among those who solemnly processed to the Betsy Ross House. A ceremony followed in which to honor their New York City counterparts whom Mayor Jim Kenney praised for their selflessness.

"Today is a day of solemn reflection and prayer for those thousands of Americans who were lost on that fateful day, especially for those first responders who showed the utmost love for their fellow men and woman by being willing to run into a burning building that was soon to collapse," said Mayor Jim Kenney.