To the editor:

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the men and women that rose to the occasion to honor our fallen heroes of 9/11.

These men and women work tirelessly responding to the needs of every community on a daily basis, providing an invaluable service and security needed at a moment’s notice. Their willingness to serve others and self-sacrifice exemplifies the professionalism, patriotism, and courage that make our nation strong.

At the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, I was honored to attend the memorial service that was organized at the Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor. Thank you to Chief Sean Merrill for organizing the itinerary of this special tribute, to Kevin Browning for organizing the luncheon and to the many others who set up, spoke, shared music, cooked, attended and parachuted over our skies of freedom.

Participation was community-wide to include the Navy Region Northwest Fire Dept., Whidbey Island EMS, Oak Harbor Fire Department, Island County District 2 and 3 Fire Departments, Island County Sheriff’s Office, Oak Harbor Police Department, Oak Harbor Mayor, Island County Dispatchers, and the Commanding Officer of NAS Whidbey Island.  It was truly awesome to see that Oak Harbor possesses the unity that was displayed on 9/11.

Thank you for remembering the sacrifices that were made that day. Let us remember the unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. Never let us forget and never let us waiver in our unity and resolve to protect our nation — one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. May God bless you all, and may God bless the United States of America.

Respectfully,

David Walton

Oak Harbor