September 12, 2006
Tuesday AM

Ketchikan, Alaska - Fallen emergency response personnel and family members lost during the 9/11 tragedy were remembered on a rainy Monday evening in Ketchikan. On the fifth anniversary of 9/11, local church bells chimed in unison at 6:30 pm last evening.

The church bells signaled the beginning of the parade which was made up of emergency vehicles. The parade started from the AMHS Ferry Terminal and traveled south through Ketchikan to Deermount Street The parade then followed Deermount St. up and around to the city park and then over into Bear Valley area, 3rd Avenue bypass, across the upper avenues and then back onto Tongass Avenue ending up back at the Ferry Terminal. The parade of emergency vehicles took approximately 45 minutes.

After arriving back at the ferry terminal, the emergency vehicles formed a large circle in the ferry terminal parking lot.

The center area of the circle of vehicles served as a gathering place. Patriotic music was furnished by the folks from McPherson music followed by a color guard drill and the pledge of allegiance.

Opening prayers, speeches and song followed. There was a moment of silence and then a benediction. The event concluded with a 21 gun salute by the United States Coast Guard and then Amazing Grace was performed with bagpipes.

Everyone was invited over to Fire Station #2 for an informal potluck type dessert with refreshments.

The remembrance was a nationwide event.

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Ketchikan, Alaska