‘A story I wish I never had to tell’: Event to be held Sept. 11 to honor fallen Centre County man on 25th anniversary
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STATE COLLEGE -- As the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, approaches, the Centre County community is preparing to gather in remembrance of the lives lost, paying special tribute to Navy Lieutenant Jonas Panik. On Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m., Centre County Memorial Park and Haky Georgiana Funeral Home at 1034 Benner Pike in State College will host a public commemoration service supervised by Michael J. Good. The event will feature a prayer service, patriotic music, remarks from guest speakers including Pennsylvania State Representative Kerry Benninghoff and a video montage honoring Panik, a Bellefonte native who died at the Pentagon at 26 years old.
"Remembrance for September 11th is focused on the victims and no other political agenda or anything behind just honoring the victims," said Panik's sister, Martina Panik-Stanley.
The upcoming commemoration carries deep personal significance for the Panik family, whose presence will span both local grounds and national memorial sites. While Panik's identified remains rest at Centre County Memorial Park alongside his late parents, his unidentified remains lie in a group plot at Arlington National Cemetery. Panik-Stanley will travel to Washington, D.C., to join fellow military colleagues and family at the Pentagon and Arlington services, while her daughter stands in to represent the family at the local State College ceremony.
"He was a gentle giant, and just an all-around good person," Panik-Stanley said when describing her brother.
Before his life was cut short, Panik was known throughout the area as a dedicated student and athlete. Driven by a childhood desire to serve his country, he was accepted into all three major U.S. service academies, ultimately selecting the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. After graduating in 1997, he became a naval intelligence officer, completing deployments to Diego Garcia, Bahrain and Japan prior to his assignment at the Pentagon. Despite his tall stature, those who knew him best remember his humble approach to everyone he met.
"Jonas was a humble, humble human being that made sure that he reached out to everyone in a room," said Panik-Stanley.
Growing up four and a half years younger, Panik-Stanley shared an exceptionally close relationship with her brother throughout his life. They supported each other through everything they did, creating a bond that remained steadfast. Losing him left a profound void that proved difficult to navigate in the years following the tragedy.
"When I lost Jonas, I felt like I lost a bulldozer that paved the way for me. The road was always cleared," said Panik-Stanley.
Among the memories she holds closest occurred on Sept. 30, 1999, when her first son was born at 9:11 a.m. while Jonas was stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington. Despite his commanding officer doubting he would make it in time, Jonas rushed to the hospital to meet his newborn nephew, Andrew Jonas.
"The biggest memory for me is seeing my brother hold a newborn baby in his hands like a football," Panik-Stanley said.
Attendees at the State College ceremony will have the opportunity to view deeply personal artifacts recovered from the Pentagon ruins. On display will be Panik's military flight jacket, which remains sealed in a protective bag due to jet fuel exposure, as well as his wristwatch, which was used by investigators to identify him. Panik's legacy of military service continues today through his nephew and namesake, Marine Corps Lieutenant Andrew Jonas, who carries a ceremonial sword gifted by Panik's 1997 Naval Academy classmates.
"What I hope is that September 11th doesn't define Jonas as a victim. I want everyone to understand the story of Jonas's 26 years on this earth," Panik-Stanley said.
As Centre County marks 25 years since that tragic day, family members and community residents alike continue to reflect on the impact of his life and the enduring legacy he left behind.
"It's a story I wish I never had to tell. I wish he was the one here telling this story. For me, I'm just blessed to be a sister," Panik-Stanley said.