CHIMACUM — The 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks was commemorated Thursday at the Chimacum Schools campus with a ceremony that recognized the importance of emergency workers.
“After the attacks, first responders were drawn to Ground Zero with no concern for their own safety,” said Naval Magazine Indian Island Cmdr. Michael Yesunas during the ceremony.
“This is something we also see in our local first responders in Jefferson County, how they are so efficient and truly work together as one.”
About 300 students from the elementary, middle and high schools gathered for the short ceremony, which featured music department chair Laura Lorentzen singing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Personnel from Naval Magazine Indian Island, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and East Jefferson Fire-Rescue lined up in formation during the ceremony.
Afterward, many of the first responders visited classrooms and talked about their jobs, while others gave the students a tour of a fire engine.
During the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks — which burned and collapsed the World Trade Center in New York City and damaged the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. — more than 3,000 people died, including more than 400 police officers and firefighters.
During his remarks, Yesunas told students they could be as heroic as a first responder.
“Heroes don’t always wear the uniform, and selflessness comes from within and not from what you are wearing,” he said.
“Our first responders do heroic deeds and place themselves in harm’s way to protect your safety every day.
“You can be a hero in your own way, being nice and being helpful to your classmates, teachers, family and community.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
