Last Friday, communities around the region (and the nation) paid tribute to those we lost during the attacks of Sept 11, 2001. It has been 25 years since that fateful day, and it is important to take time to remember. For some it is just stories, to others the memories can be haunting. Yet the actions on that day, and the months following, had a significant impact on us as a country and as a community.
Here in North Central WA, there were a number of events around the area to mark this occasion, and I’ve collected some tidbits to share.
Ephrata Patriot Day
EPHRATA — The names and faces have changed over 25 years, but the message remained the same Thursday evening as veterans, first responders, elected leaders and community members gathered in Ephrata to remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and honor those who continue to serve their communities.
Hosted by American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit 28, the Patriot Day ceremony blended remembrance with recognition, paying tribute to those lost on 9/11, military members who served in the ensuing War on Terror and local first responders whose daily work continues that legacy of service.
Read the full article from the Columbia Basin Herald.
Grant County Journal also covered the event – read the GCJ.news article.
Cashmere Spirit of America Memorial
On Friday, roughly 500 people who gathered in Cashmere, a typically quiet agricultural hub tucked between Wenatchee and Leavenworth, on Friday to remember those lost in the attacks at the 9/11 Spirit of America Memorial site. Of those in attendance, at least three dozen weren’t even alive on that day 25 years ago – students from River View Academy and Wenatchee Valley Montessori had front-row seats to hear the stories and see the faces.
Articles covering this event can be found at the Wenatchee World, the Spokesman Review, and KPQ – there may be more but that’s just what I found so far.
Quincy Valley
Veterans Operation Creation hosted an event on the front lawn of the Quincy Historical Society at 5pm. I haven’t spotted any articles or pictures from that one yet.
If you have stories, photos, or links to share from any events that took place last Friday, please feel free to reach out (comment below or use the Share Your Story form).