A public remembrance for the 24th anniversary of 9/11 will take place under the Peace Arch around 11 a.m. Thursday, September 11.
The event will start off with an annual 9/11 Memorial Ride organized by Canadian motorcyclists. Motorcyclists from both the U.S. and Canada will gather for a free breakfast buffet 6:30-8:30 a.m. at the Cascades Casino in Delta, B.C. before driving to Peace Arch Historical State Park for the 11 a.m. ceremony.
Skagit County’s Fire and Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club will ride to the Peace Arch from Drager’s International Classic Sales, 1645 Walton Drive in Burlington. The group is inviting anyone who wants to join to ride with them. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the group will leave at 9:30 a.m.
The memorial, which will have speeches and bagpipe music, will be attended by first responders from the U.S. and Canada, cross-border dignitaries and the public.
After the ceremony, there will be a barbecue on the Canadian side of the park and Gateway1890 Taphouse and Grill plans to host attendees, event organizer Guy Morrall said.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their passports. Parking at the state park costs about $10 per day, and free parking is available just outside of the parking lot.
“This is honoring and remembering the people who served that day,” Morrall said. “Some gave all, all gave some. This is about remembering the loss from that day and the people who are still suffering today.”
For more information on the event, visit facebook.com/911memorialridebc. Any questions about the motorcycle ride from Skagit County can be directed to Mike Lahff at fifl.lahff@gmail.com.
