Brandywine Battlefield Park will again be the site of a remembrance
ceremony on Sept. 11, marking the anniversaries of both the 1777 Battle of the
Brandywine and the 2001 terror attacks. But this year’s observance holds
special significance for Linda Kaat and the rest of the Brandywine Battlefield
Park Associates.

This Friday’s event, from 6 to 9 p.m., will be the first since the
associates took over operation of the park from the Pennsylvania Historic and
Museum Commission.

PHMC stopped funding the park operation on Aug. 14. The
associates, operating under a temporary agreement, took over 11 days later.

“It is a huge responsibility,” Kaat said. “…Some of the former
state employees are helping out in a volunteer way.”

Adding to the significance is that the evening is also a
fund-raising event taking the place of Rev. Times, the traditional reenactment
of the battle that won’t be held this year.

“We are combining three events. It was the only economical idea.
It is combining Rev. Times, our membership meeting and the 9-11 ceremony,” Kaat
said. “We think it’s going to be a very exciting night.”

Part of the excitement will be the inclusion of a Remembrance Bell
in the ceremony. The Franciscan Center of Wilmington began the Bells of
Remembrance Project following the 2001 terror attacks.

The Wilmington Fire Co. will drive
the bell from Ground Zero in New York City after taking part in the World Trade
Center ceremonies. The bell will be rung at the battlefield park in honor of
those who died on Flight 93 when it crashed in a field at Shanksville.

The Brandywine Baptists Church choir will perform, Kaat said and
several local restaurants food will provide the food. 

Also planned is a silent auction that, Kaat said, will include two
50-yardline seats to the Eagles game against the NY Giants, a Desean Jackson
jersey and a football autographed by former Eagles’ head coach Dick Vermeil.

“This is our first major fund-raiser of our new era, the era
[when] we can no longer blame the state for anything. This is our baby,” Kaat
said.

While there will be no battle reenactment, Kaat said there will be
reenactors camping out at the park and they will provide a cannon salute.

The park will open for guests at 4 p.m.

The itinerary for the ceremony is as follows:

 6 p.m. Ground Zero Bell tolls for the 44 lost at Shanksville

6:15   
Choir and Honor Guard for 1777 British and American troops

6:20   
Speakers include state Rep. Chris Ross

6:25    General
George Washington Address

6:30   
Cannon Salute by Royal Artillery

6:35   
Release of Doves

6:40   
America the Beautiful by the Brandywine Baptist Church Choir

A reception at the Ring House, Gen. Washington's Headquarters,
follows the ceremony.