20 years ago, on the morning of September 11th, it was business as usual at the Faith Baptist Church in Altoona.

The pastor of the church, Gary Dull, was conducting a routine meeting whenever he found out about the attacks.

He knew immediately that he had to call a prayer gathering to help people cope with the events of that day.

That night, more than five hundred people came together in the church to comfort one another and unite in prayer.

The following day presented him with an invitation to lead the nation in prayer, and it also showed him that, while we as a nation were staggered, nothing could shake our resolve or our sense of patriotism.

Pastor Dull hasn’t slowed on his commitments to honoring the lives lost that day, as he is helping the Blair County 9/11 Anniversary Committee put the final touches on its 20th anniversary observance, which will be held Saturday at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona.

Admission to the ceremony is free, but tickets are required to gain entry to the event.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and there will be a limited number available at the door.