This Saturday, the third anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, folks in Oak Harbor will have a couple of different opportunities to mourn and commemorate, but also contemplate freedom, democracy and what it means to be an America.

Oak Harbor Fire Chief Mark Soptich has organized a short ceremony at Flintstone Park, a waterfront open space on Bayshore Drive. The half-hour event, which has become a annual remembrance at the spot, will begin at noon.

“It’s probably something we never want to forget,” he said. “It’s to recognize the people who gave their lives in the line of duty.”

Scott Rhine, Whidbey General Hospital administrator, will speak on behalf of emergency medical personnel, who were among the heroes of 9/11. Mayor Patty Cohen will also gave an address. Music will be provided by the An-O-Chords.

The Oak Harbor Library is taking part in the nationwide “September Project,” which is an effort to bring “people across the country together at public places like local libraries to discuss ideas that matter,” according to the Web site www.theseptemberproject.org.

Mary Campbell, Oak Harbor managing librarian, said the idea for the project began at the University of Washington with the simple goal of “starting a national conversation about democracy, citizenship and patriotism.” She said organizers didn’t originally have libraries in mind, but they quickly realized that they are the perfect places for such discussion. Libraries are public, free and local hubs that have been historical strongholds of community and freedom.

At the Oak Harbor library, the project begins at 9 a.m. with a beginning-level special class about surfing the Internet for news and election information. Having an informed public, Campbell said, is an important function of a library and is an essential part of having an intelligent national discussion.

Folks can register in advance for the all-ages class by calling 675-5115.

At 3:30 p.m., professional storyteller Jill Johnson, a Clinton resident, will tell some uniquely American stories. The theme of the presentation is “building community through story and song” and it is geared for all ages.

“The stories will explore the concept of what it means to be a community,” she said. “The stories and songs will hopefully spark discussions.”

While the stories may not directly touch on the events of Sept. 11, Johnson said story telling, as well as the The September Project, are fitting ways to draw something good from the tragedy.

“I feel very honored to be a part of this,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to commemorate this terrible event with something uplifting and thoughtful.”

Campbell said the library staff is also starting a special celebration of “libraries roles in building community” on Saturday.

You can reach Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewstimes.com or 675-6611.