Clearwater remembers 9-11

UPDATE: The new parade route is new described in the article.

By Don Gardner

No one can forget where they were as the tragic events of Sept. 11 unfolded before their eyes in 2001. The world watched in horror as four hijacked jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in rural Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, the deadliest terrorist attack ever to occur on U.S. soil.

In tribute to the indomitable character of the American people Clearwater County first responder agencies will host events to mark the 10 year anniversary of that tragic day. You can join us on Facebook to post your comments at “Clearwater Remembers 9-11.”

A first responder’s silent parade will start Sunday, 9-11-2011 at 12:30 p.m. Beginning at Orofino Elementary School, it will go down Michigan Ave. and turn onto Johnson Ave., circle around the far side of Brookside Landing, come back up Main Street, and end on Johnson Ave.. After that, first responders and emergency vehicles will set up on Johnson Ave. and serve lunch. At this time citizens are invited to meet the first responders and take a look at the emergency services vehicles. Johnson will be blocked off at the Michigan Ave. and First Street intersections (First Street runs past Les Schwab and Loralee’s Beauty Salon). Parts of College Ave. will also be blocked off.

A challenge: To place 3,000 USA Flags around Clearwater County on that weekend - large flags and small flags both. Place them anywhere they can be seen. Take pictures and share them on Facebook and with the newspapers. It’s a large request but it’s to remember those that lost their lives that day. 

We encourage you to share your thoughts, memories and photos by posting on our Facebook wall, meet your first responders, and carry out the 3,000 flag challenge. Let’s build a lasting tribute that tells America and the world that Clearwater County Remembers.