Community Military Appreciation Committee and City of Vancouver to honor the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001

Never forget.

In that spirit, the Community Military Appreciation Committee and the City of Vancouver will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday — Patriot Day — at the Waterfront Walk.

“Clark County has a military history going all the way back to 1848. It’s always been an area that prides itself on commemorating heroism, bravery, commitment, and service,” said Col. Michael Burton (USAF Ret.), co-chair of CMAC. “Certainly what happened on 9/11 is one of those days all of those things came together. Clark County wants to recognize that on this day.”

State and local elected leaders, along with officials from Vancouver Fire, are scheduled to speak at the ceremony, which will begin with a flyover of F-15s courtesy of the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard. 

Fire boats and PT boats will be on the Columbia River. Doves will be released from one of the boats.

Also scheduled to attend:

• The Vancouver Community Concert Band and the 204th U.S. Army Band.

• A rifle salute will be performed by the VFW Post 7824 Honor Guards.

• There will be a wreath-laying ceremony and God Bless America will be performed. 

With parking limited around the waterfront, CMAC and the city have partnered with C-TRAN for shuttle buses from the parking lot at Hudson’s Bay High School. The first shuttle is scheduled to depart from the high school at 7:45 a.m. with more departures every 15 minutes until the ceremony begins. 

The ceremony is free to attend.

Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America that killed nearly 3,000 people from all walks of life — civilians, first responders, military.

“We want to make sure that it is an event that will not be forgotten,” Burton said. “We want to recall the sacrifice and heroism that occurred that day.”