It was a day made for reflection. The sun shone, the breeze was light, stirring a large American flag suspended from ladder trucks from the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Oak Harbor Fire Departments, a truck from North Whidbey Fire and Rescue centered between them.

Approximately 150 people, not including firefighters, turned out for Oak Harbor’s 9/11 memorial ceremony at Windjammer Park Sunday, quietly paying their respects to the 2,977 civilians, 23 New York City police officers, 37 port authority officers and 343 New York City firefighters who died in the terrorist attacks on our country 10 years earlier.

Navy Region Northwest Fire and Emergency Services Battalion Chief Sean Merrill acted as master of ceremonies.

“2,977 civilians walked out the door on what they thought was a normal work day, never to walk home again,” he said. “A lot has transpired since then. We’re gathered together as a community to remember that.”

Community effort

The memorial was definitely a community effort. The colors were presented by Marines from the Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53 at NAS Whidbey, the National Anthem was sung by Sarah Reinstra and speakers included Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Chief Marv Koorn and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station commanding officer Capt. Jay Johnston.

An emotional Capt. Johnston, who was assigned to the Pentagon at the time of the attack, shared his experiences with the crowd, speaking without notes, pausing occasionally to hold back tears, but in the end praising the work of the first responders and everyone involved in putting the Pentagon back together.

“It was a mess for weeks and weeks. It was a testimony to teamwork,” Johnston said. “We talk about Team Whidbey here, but I think it was Team USA back then. That may sound like a cliche, but we had first responders and urban search and rescue teams from all over the country converging on the Pentagon and I know you did the same in New York.

“Thank you for all you do,” he continued. “We witness it every day. You guys stand 24/7 watch and then some, both on the military side and the civilian side. I don’t know what they pay you, but it’s not enough, so my hat’s off to you.”

Johnston described how watching firefighters unrolling a giant flag from the top of the Pentagon building became his defining moment.

“I wasn’t at Iwo Jima when they planted the flag, but I kind of believe it was a lot like that,” he said. “It was a symbol that we’d taken control of the situation; we’d taken control of the fight and I’d like to think we’ve had control of the fight ever since, although the war has been going on for a while.”

Sign of the times

Chief Koorn reflected on how terms like “terrorist attack” and “situational awareness” have now become part of our country’s vernacular, but that the expectations for first responders haven’t changed.

“That fateful day in 2001, the world saw the undying courage and the unfailing response of firefighters, first responders, law enforcement officers, military and citizens all working together to save other people,” Koorn said. “Always remember, people look to us as first responders when all hope is lost. Whether it’s a terrorist strike or a heart attack, they expect to see the first responders running in while others are running out.”

“You cannot help it — it’s in your DNA. The need to get involved, the high sense of civic spirit and duty, and the dedication to the protection of life and property,” said Mayor Slowik. “That is what you do as first responders. You are the heroes of this community.”

Sheriff Brown recalled the feeling of unity sparked by the attacks.

“I do remember how engaged citizens became immediately following Sept. 11. How they suddenly became observant in identifying suspicious behavior, how they became concerned for their neighbor’s welfare, how they developed a patriotic sentiment that reflected a feeling of solidarity as well as unity,” Brown said.

Prioritizing public safety and ensuring proper training for first responders is how we can pay homage to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, Brown said.

Tolling of the bell

A traditional bell ceremony followed the speakers.

“When a firefighter has had his or her last ride, we ring the bell,” said Merrill, explaining the series of five measured dashes and pauses that make up the ‘tolling of the bell.’ “This signal was a sign of honor and respect for all firefighters who had made the ultimate sacrifice and it has become a time honored tradition for the fire service. Today we will ring the bell for all first responders all civilians and all military who have made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11.”

Following the clear chime of the bell, two members of the Whidbey Island Pipe Band performed a bagpipe version of “Amazing Grace,” and two parachutists glided into the park, trailing an American and MIA/POW flag, and bringing the 10th anniversary observance of 9/11 to a close.