BLAINE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A quiet, powerful atmosphere filled Peace Arch Park as hundreds gathered along the U.S.-Canadian border, coming together not to emphasize the boundary between two countries, but to set it aside in remembrance.
On Friday morning, 25 years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, residents, first responders, military personnel, veterans and community members from both sides of the 49th parallel gathered beneath the iconic Peace Arch for the 25th annual Northwest 9/11 Memorial ceremony.
The day began early, with Brad and John from 92.9 KISM broadcasting live from Drager’s Clubhouse. They helped bring local listeners into the event while joining members of the Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club and other riders for the “Refuse to Forget Ride.”
The motorcycle procession headed north toward the border, where it met Canadian riders traveling south from British Columbia to join the gathering at Peace Arch Park.
Under clear September skies, the Van City Chorus opened the 11 a.m. ceremony with performances of the American and Canadian national anthems. Moments later, a U.S. Homeland Security helicopter made a low, solemn flyover of the park, capturing the attention of everyone in attendance.
Local officials and community leaders spoke about resilience, remembrance and how much time has passed since 9/11. They reflected on the fact that an entire generation has now grown up knowing the attacks primarily as history rather than as a personal memory.
But the most emotional moments came from the ceremony’s special guests—retired New York City police officers, firefighters and paramedics who had been directly involved in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.
Throughout the morning, the crowd shared stories and expressions of gratitude. People from both countries thanked military members, honored first responders and connected with one another across the border.
When the formal ceremony came to an end, the gathering continued. The sound of bagpipes eventually gave way to the smoke and aroma of a community barbecue as families, veterans, first responders and neighbors remained together on the grass.
Twenty-five years later, the gathering served as a powerful reminder that remembrance can transcend borders. The Pacific Northwest once again came together to honor those who sacrificed, celebrate the bonds between communities and countries, and make sure the lives lost on Sept. 11 are never forgotten.
Victor Gotelaere is a guest contributor to My Bellingham Now and currently employed at Pacific Northwest Media Group. His role with the company is primarily in marketing and promotions.
