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In this update:
9/11: 25 Years Later
This year marks 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 innocent lives and forever changed our nation. Four commercial airliners were hijacked and used as weapons of terror. Two were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, another struck the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed in Somerset County after brave passengers fought back against the hijackers. Twenty-five years later, the shock and grief of that day remain deeply felt. But so does the courage of the first responders, the passengers of Flight 93 and countless others who stepped forward in the face of unimaginable danger. Just as importantly, we remember how Americans came together in the days and weeks that followed, united by a shared sense of purpose and a determination to stand strong. I recently joined our community at several 9/11 commemorations throughout York and Cumberland counties. At York Suburban High School, participants gathered at the track to climb nearly 2,200 steps in tribute to the 400 first responders who lost their lives that day. Mechanicsburg Borough’s Patriot Day Ceremony at Center Square brought residents together to reflect on the sacrifices of 9/11 and express gratitude to local first responders. In New Cumberland, the Rotary Club of West Shore hosted its Flags for Heroes Dedication Ceremony, recognizing those who exemplify the spirit of “Service Above Self.” My staff joined the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 213, in York for its Patriot Day Ceremony. As the years pass and fewer people have firsthand memories of Sept. 11, it becomes even more important that we teach future generations about that day and the sacrifices that followed. We must never allow the memory of 9/11 to fade. We owe it to those we lost, the heroes who answered the call and the generations that came after to remember their courage, honor their sacrifice and preserve the unity that brought our nation together in one of its darkest hours. Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run
The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is a Pennsylvania-based, non-profit organization that provides programming, including Back to School Character Days, aimed at empowering veterans and families of the fallen to develop character in future generations. The TMF is hosting several upcoming 5Ks throughout the U.S. in honor of 9/11, including these in the commonwealth:
Honoring York County’s Fallen
On Sept. 20, the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers will gather at the Veterans Memorial Gold Star Healing & Peace Garden in York’s Veterans Memorial Park for a special reading honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Beginning at 10 a.m., the names inscribed on the Names of the Fallen Remembrance Walls will be read aloud. The walls recognize 1,200 York County service members who lost their lives in every American war from World War I through today, including 351 Pennsylvanians who were killed during the Global War on Terror. Community members are invited to take part in the reading. Volunteers may arrive at any point during the event and participate for as much time as they are able. This year’s remembrance will also feature the unveiling of new Gold Star Garden greeting cards showcasing artwork from Creative York. Fourth Annual Veterans Stand Down
Crispus Attucks York will host the fourth annual Veterans Stand Down on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Horticultural Hall at the York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave., York. The one-stop event is designed to support veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or transitioning to civilian life. Veterans can connect with VA services, medical and dental care, housing and employment assistance, food, clothing, hygiene kits and a free hot lunch. Veterans and military families who need transportation or additional information can contact Barry Freeland at 717-781-0014 or Jomo Beatty at 717-542-0091. Please help spread the word and connect local veterans with the resources they deserve. Remembering Our POWs and MIAs
On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we pause to remember the more than 83,000 U.S. service members who remain classified as prisoners of war or missing in action. The POW/MIA flag stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to never forget those who were captured or left behind and to continue seeking the fullest possible accounting for Americans still missing. Every element of the flag carries meaning. The black field represents the sorrow and uncertainty faced by missing service members and their families. The white silhouette depicts a head bowed in sorrow, symbolizing a prisoner held in captivity, while the guard tower and barbed wire represent the harsh conditions endured by POWs. The words “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” serve as our nation’s promise that these Americans and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. The POW/MIA flag holds a unique place in our nation’s history. It is the only flag other than the American flag ever to fly over the White House. On this day, we remember those who have not come home, honor their service and sacrifice, and reaffirm our commitment to their families. You can learn more about the history of the POW/MIA flag and how this enduring symbol came about by clicking here. Marine Corps League Celebrates New ADA Ramp
I recently joined veterans and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating a new ADA-compliant ramp at the P.W. Milano Marine Corps League building at 601 Ross Ave. in New Cumberland. The ramp was built after some veterans were unable to access the building, ensuring everyone can now take part in the fellowship and activities there. The project took two years of planning and fundraising, with construction completed in just one week after the necessary funds were raised. It was great to celebrate this accomplishment with the veterans who made it happen. Taking to the Skies: Honoring Our Veterans
It was great to be part of a very special event held by the Pennsylvania Health Care Association and Dream Flights at Capital City Airport to honor local senior veterans with an unforgettable experience — a free flight in a restored World War II-era open-cockpit biplane, the same type of aircraft once used to train America’s military aviators. Veterans had the opportunity to soar 1,000 feet above the airport and relive the excitement of their younger years. I was grateful to honor our local veterans, thank them for their service and show our appreciation for the sacrifices they made to protect our freedoms. It was wonderful to see the joy on their faces and celebrate these heroes alongside their families and caregivers. Touring IDV USA and Supporting York County’s Defense Manufacturing Industry
I recently toured IDV USA’s facility in York with Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, representatives from the York County Economic Alliance, BAE Systems and others to learn more about the company’s operations and impact on our community. As the American arm of Italian defense manufacturer IDV, the company operates a corporate office and repair center in York, where it services and repairs unmanned vehicles used by police, EMS, emergency responders and the military. IDV USA employs 35 people and provides $2 million in local wages while supporting 114 Pennsylvania vendors, including 57 in York County. Seeing this operation first-hand highlighted the important role local businesses play in strengthening our economy while contributing to the safety and security of our nation. New Law Connects Families with VA Burial Benefits
Under a new law, Act 42 of 2026, families of a deceased service person being buried or cremated in Pennsylvania after Sept. 18 will receive contact information for their county veterans affairs office from funeral directors and cemeteries. County directors of veterans affairs will also be notified by funeral directors and cemeteries within 96 hours of receiving the remains of a deceased service person. This will help connect families with this local veterans’ resource which will be able to help them access benefits for which they might be eligible. $1.2 Billion in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $1.2 billion in VA infrastructure improvements which will be used by VA medical facilities to enhance operational capability and healthcare delivery for significant maintenance, replacements and upgrades. This includes funds to 42 projects for Pennsylvania’s VA medical facilities including replacing a roof in Coatesville, replacing domestic hot water tanks in Erie, renovating air conditioning in Lebanon, installing exterior security measures in Philadelphia, repairing fire and smoke dampers in Pittsburgh, replacing a fire station roof in Butler and more. VA Announces Clinical Trials to Help Veterans with Major Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder
The VA announced a new clinical trial to evaluate psilocybin’s effectiveness and safety in treating major depression in veterans. Psilocybin is a classic hallucinogen and produced by more than 100 species of mushrooms worldwide. The trial, Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression, will enroll veterans with a diagnosis of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and be conducted in five VA locations throughout the U.S., including Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia. This follows the VA’s announcement of a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of GLP-1 treatment for alcohol use disorder. This clinical trial, Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans, will be conducted in 18 locations throughout the U.S., including the Philadelphia VA Healthcare System. Shareapy Military
Shareapy offers free virtual peer support for active-duty military, veterans, first responders and their immediate family members. Once registered, you can:
There is no cost for eligible members. For more information and to sign up, click here. Tech Deals for Veterans
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