Sequim marks 25th anniversary of 9/11
Published 8:30 am Monday, September 14, 2026
Sequim city officials and area residents marked the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on American soil at the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Sequim Civic Center Plaza on Friday, Sept. 11.
On that day a quarter-century ago, hijacked planes hit the Twin Towers in New York City, causing both to ultimately collapse. A third plane struck the Pentagon, and minutes later a fourth crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Almost 3,000 people died that day as a result of the attacks, and others died later from illnesses believed to have been related to 9/11.
Friday’s 9 a.m. ceremony began with bagpipes and a procession of first responders. Speakers included Sequim Police Chief Mike Hill, Clallam County Fire District 3 Chief Justin Grider, Deputy Mayor Nicole Hartman and Sequim City Manager Matthew Huish.
“We pledged we would never forget, and that’s a pledge we took seriously,” Grider said.
In noting the 25 years that have passed since that day, the fire chief said there are current firefighters who had not yet been born when the attacks occurred.
“There is no greater service than knowing you could potentially give your life for someone else,” he said.
The ceremony included bell-ringing and a moment of silence led by the Sequim High School student body president. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by leadership students from Sequim Middle School, and the Sequim Police Department performed Honor Guard duties.
Following the ceremony, first responders laid roses at the flagpole. Community members were then invited to select two roses, placing one at the display in honor of police officers and the other at the display honoring firefighters.