All across the South Sound tomorrow there will be ceremonies and commemorations marking the one year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed when terrorists used hijacked planes as weapons, crashing two jetliners into the World Trade Center, causing the eventual collapse of the two towers, and smashing another into the Pentagon.
A third hijacked plane, possibly targeting the White House, crashed in Pennsylvania when passengers fought back against the terrorists.
Several events in Tacoma and surrounding cities and neighborhoods will offer residents the opportunity to remember and reflect on the worst attacks against the continental United States since the War of 1812.
TACOMA
Harbor Flag Dedication
The public is invited to attend the dedication of the Tacoma Harbor Flag in Theas Park, South 4th and Dock streets, at 10:30 a.m.
Metro Parks Tacoma, the City of Tacoma and the Harbor Flag Task Force are coordinating the dedication event.
The 20-by 38-foot Harbor Flag will be raised up a 100-foot flag pole by Tacoma firefighters, police officers and an intergenerational team that includes Baker Middle School students who raised money for the project.
In addition, a globe that designates each of Tacomas sister cities will be unveiled.
Hope in Action
Cheney Stadium will be the site of a 7 p.m. remembrance to those who perished in the terrorist attacks.
The gathering at Cheney Stadium is the culmination of Pierce County, Tacoma, Lakewood and other local jurisdictions joining the Interfaith Roundtable in supporting the 9/11 Hope in Action campaign.
The program encourages county residents to contribute 10 percent of a days time or pay to a deliberate act of kindness in the name of a victim of the attacks.
For more information, please visit:
www.hopeinaction9-11.org.
FORT LEWIS
Fort Lewis officials will remember the terrorist attacks by dedicating a plaque in memory of those who died.
A commemorative stone donated by the International Association of Firefighters Fort Lewis will be attached to Iron Mike, the area where residents gathered following the attacks.
Every Army installation will hold a memorial ceremony at 5:46 a.m., the local time when the first plane struck Tower One of the World Trade Center.
PUYALLUP FAIR
The grandstand will offer free seating for an 11 a.m. tribute, Salute to Courage, in remembrance of Sept. 11.
Included will be inspirational messages, the Travis Air Force Band and a C-17 Globemaster III flyover.
Admission to the fair and parking are free until noon, with all other fair buildings, exhibits and rides delayed until a noon opening on Sept. 11.
There will be free admission all day and evening extended to all active and retired military, and active police force, fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel when they show their identification on Sept. 11.
Also as part of the remembrance of the terrorist attacks, Cascade Regional Blood Services will have its large bloodmobile at The Puyallup Fair to gather blood donations.
The bloodmobile will be available outside the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup at the Gold Gate (the Main Entrance) on the following dates and times:
– Sept. 11, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.;
– Sept. 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.;
– Sept. 13, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.;
– Sept. 14, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
– Sept. 15, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
– Sept. 20, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.;
– Sept. 21, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and
– Sept. 22, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cascade Regional Blood Services provides blood, blood products and related services for patients at all hospitals in Pierce and South King Counties and the neighboring communities.
Cascade Regional Blood Services has more than 30,000 active volunteer blood donors and it is one of the largest blood banks in the state.
LAKEWOOD
A special ceremony in front of Lakewood City Hall will begin at 9 a.m.
The event will feature a combined color guard, fire and police and a musical tribute to those who were killed in the attacks.
STEILACOOM
A remembrance ceremony will be held at the towns Public Safety Building, beginning at 7 a.m.
The ceremony will be followed by an extended invitation to a community breakfast at the Public Safety Building.
