PORT TOWNSEND — The annual service to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks was better attended Sunday than in years past because it was the 10th anniversary.
About 75 people attended the commemoration that began at 9 a.m. sharp.
The purpose, organizers said, was to keep the memorial brief and to the point — and it was over a few minutes before 9:11 a.m.
“Sept. 11 is a day that haunts all of us,” said East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Ted Krysinski.
“It will affect us for the rest of our lives.”
The service took place in the clearing next to the historic Bell Tower, which is being renovated.
“The Bell Tower has it’s problems today, but we should remember what it did 100 years ago,” Krysinski said.
“It would ring to indicate a fire or disaster, and everyone came out to help, whether they were police, fire or members of the community.
“Whenever the bell tolls, we need to be there to help, and we must always remember to thank the people who are providing the emergency services.”
Most of those attending were in uniform from East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, Port Townsend Police Department and Port Ludlow Fire Rescue.
North Kitsap medic Steve Engle attended the Port Townsend commemoration instead of the one planned at his home station since he lives in Chimacum.
Doug Johnson and Pam Sichting, working to fight the Big Hump Fire above Brinnon, also attended.
The local 9/11 commemoration has occurred every year since the attacks.
East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokesman Bill Beezley said attendance declined for several years and reached a low at around 2005, but it has seen a steady increase since then.
Beezley said more people have attended in recent years, with a “spike” for Sunday’s 10th anniversary.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
