Hermiston to Honor 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with Community Ceremony

The Hermiston community will come together on Friday, Sept. 11, to remember the lives lost 25 years ago and pay tribute to the courage, heroism and resilience shown in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The 9/11 Remembrance & Tribute Ceremony will be held from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. on Festival and Main streets in downtown Hermiston. The outdoor community gathering will honor those who lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, along with the first responders, service members and everyday Americans whose actions that day and in the years since have come to symbolize service and sacrifice.

Former Oregon State Sen. Bill Hansell, American Legion Post #37 Commander Mark Wiggins, and former Umatilla County Fire District #1 Chief Pat Hart will share remarks and remembrances. Patriotic music will be performed by the Inland Northwest Musicians, and a memory wall and photo display commemorating our nation’s heroes will be available for attendees to view.

The ceremony will also include a wreath-laying and bell ceremony conducted by American Legion Post #37, Umatilla County Fire District #1 and the Hermiston Police Department.

Free meals will be provided to all attendees, with reserved seating available for veterans, first responders and their families. Everyone planning to attend is asked to RSVP by Friday, Sept. 4, by emailing parksandrec@hermiston.gov or calling 541-667-5018.

The event is hosted by the City of Hermiston, Umatilla County Fire District #1, Hermiston Police Department, American Legion Post #37 and Eastern Oregon First-Responders Chaplain Association with support from Inland Northwest Musicians and Amazon Web Services.

Following the ceremony, the Hermiston School District will host a Salute to Service night at Kennison Field during the Hermiston Bulldogs football game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.