ArtsQuest Patriot Day Ceremony Honoring First Responders Streaming Live
Sept. 11

Rev. Herbert G. Gates III to be honored with 2020 ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award

BETHLEHEM, PA—The public is invited to join ArtsQuest virtually in honoring our region’s first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel during Patriot Day presented by Embassy Bank Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. This year’s ceremony will be streamed live for everyone to view from home.

As part of the presentation, ArtsQuest will present its 2020 First Responder Valor Award to Bethlehem’s Rev. Herbert G. Gates III.

Gates has lived a life of servitude, starting with his service in the U.S. Army from 1966-’68, with 6.5 months spent in South Vietnam. Gates served in churches in the West Pennsylvania Conference for more than 30 years. He has also led bible studies and taught Sunday School in several churches, and now holds regular support groups at Bethany U.M.C. Since moving to Bethlehem in 2007, he has served as an Associate Chaplain and a Pulpit Supply for six years in regional Evangelical Lutheran Churches. He currently serves as Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Associate Chaplain, where he brings comfort and support to patients and their families in dire times.

Gates has volunteered at ArtsQuest for more than a decade as an ArtsQuest Ambassador, Musikfest Site Supervisor, Christkindlmarkt Site Supervisor and ticket-taker at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. In recognition of his efforts to minister patients, their families and staff, as well as his dedication to our community, ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert and Bethlehem City Council member J. William Reynolds will present Gates with a glass sculpture hand-blown by the artists at the ArtsQuest Glass Studio at the Banana Factory.

ArtsQuest is also honoring regional first responders for their courage and sacrifice for our community by displaying “Our Hometown Heroes” banners on the fence lining 1st Street and Founders Way, as well as via an online gallery. Singer and guitarist Seth Witcher will present the National Anthem.

For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/festivals/patriotic-holidays/patriot-day/.