The public remembrances are fewer today than on the first anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks.
But on the second anniversary, people continue to remember and recognize the lives lost and the ongoing contributions of public safety personnel.
Across the North Olympic Peninsula, flags will be lowered to half-staff, music will sound and words will be spoken in remembrance.
“Sept. 11 is indelibly imprinted in our hearts and minds,” Forks Mayor Nedra Reed said Wednesday. “We as a community choose to remember those who lost their lives and whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy two years ago, personally and within our own families.”
At 6:55 a.m., Reed, Forks Police Chief Mike Powell and a member of the local fire department will gather at the Olympic National Park-Olympic National Forest Recreation Information Center, 551 S. Forks Ave., to place a wreath and raise the flag to half-staff.
Members of the community are invited.
In Port Angeles, a re-dedication of the Public Safety Monument at Francis Street Park, at the north end of Francis Street, will be held at noon.
The monument, which features a plaque set in a granite stone and surrounded by flag poles, was installed and dedicated on Sept. 11, 2002, to recognize public safety professionals’ ongoing contributions to Clallam County.
Alan Barnard, who led the effort to create the monument, said today’s re-dedication stands on a promise he made last year that the monument every year “would be our place to gather, to remember 9/11, and to give our thanks and appreciation to our public safety people in our county.
The Sheriff’s Color Guard will raise the American flag, and Clallam County Undersheriff Joe Martin, Port Angeles Fire Chief Dan McKeen, Port Angeles Police Deputy Chief Terry Gallagher and Barnard will make brief remarks.
During last year’s dedication, organizers also recognized slain Deputy Wally Davis, who would have turned 52 today. Davis was fatally shot while responding to a disturbance call just east of Port Angeles on Aug. 5, 2000.
In Port Townsend, a Sept. 11 remembrance will begin at 5 p.m. at the flag pole behind the Port of Port Townsend office on Benedict Street.
The event, organized by Edel Sokol, will include the presentation of colors, the pledge of allegiance, remarks by Fire Chief Ed Edwards and Rev. Ankeny of Trinity United Methodist Church, a blessing by Makah elder Mary McQuillen, an musical performances.
Police Chief Kristen Anderson will read an excerpt from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.