A series of events, including a procession on Spring Street, are planned today to remember the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
On that day, two airliners hijacked by members of al Qaeda were flown into the World Trade Center in New York City; a third was flown into the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pa.
Excluding the 19 hijackers, 2,974 people died in the attacks. Another 24 are missing and presumed dead.
More than 50 soldiers, sailors, airmen or Marines with local ties served in the ensuing Iraq War. Since the war began in March 2003, almost 4,500 U.S. troops have been killed in Iraq (for a complete list of all confirmed civilian, contractor and military casualties, see www.icasualties.org).
Two soldiers with San Juan ties were killed in action, two others were injured.
At 8:55 a.m., there will be a procession down Spring Street. Participation is open to the public. Participants will meet at Wells Fargo Bank.
At 9:11 a.m., the cannon will be fired in Memorial Park (to symbolize the airplanes hitting the buildings.)
From 9:11-9:12 a.m., there will be one minute of silence. American Legion Post 163 asks that all shop keepers, office workers and pedestrians stand in silence on the spot for these 60 seconds. If the work environment allows, on the sidewalk is preferred.) Church bells will ring during this time.
After the minute of silence, EMS, fire and sheriff’s vehicles will assemble at Memorial Park sounding sirens (to symbolize the rescue workers who arrived on the attack scenes).
Mayor David Jones will read a proclamation, followed by a prayer by Pastor Joe Gamez.
The commemoration is sponsored by the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Friday Harbor Fire Department, Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, Kiwanis Club, San Juan Island EMS, San Juan Island Fire Department, San Juan County Sheriff Department, and the Town of Friday Harbor.
The 9-11 Commemoration Committee: Ray Bigler, Jim Cox, Robin Delazerda, Alex Gavora, Ary Hobbel, Bob Kelly, Minnie Knych, Jim Knych, Linn Motko, Mike Nachlinger, Frank Penwell, Gordy Petersen, Dan Sorgen, Rex Stickle, Jill Urbach, Dave Vandaveer.
