Remembering 9/11

Photo courtesy Sandra Coultrap A plaque at the Veterans Plaza at McEuen Park marks the 100th anniversary of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A ceremony is scheduled 2 p.m. Sept. 11.

by BILL BULEY
Staff Writer | September 4, 2021 1:07 AM

Several events are planned in Kootenai County in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Silver Lake Mall to honor the lives “of those who serve, have served and have sacrificed for our nation.”

Four local Gold Star families — those of a fallen service member who died while serving in a time of conflict — are expected to attend.

The Rathdrum American Legion Post 154, the Northwest Guardian Riders and the city of Rathdrum will hold a remembrance ceremony at 10 a.m. on Main Street in front of Rathdrum City Hall. It will honor “the first responders and all those who gave their lives that tragic day.”

The program will feature artifacts, photos, flags, a memorial wreath and music. The public is welcome to “please come to reflect and share in our remembrance ceremony."

Another event is scheduled 2 p.m. at the Veterans Plaza at McEuen Park. The keynote speaker will be the president of the Society of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“This is the 100th anniversary honoring all those that have died defending our country and its freedom,” said a press release.

The offices of Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer and Sen. Mike Crapo are expected to be represented.

The Tunnels to Towers Foundation will be honoring the memory of those lost Sept. 11, 2001, with a 5K run and walk at 8 a.m. at McEuen Park.

Proceeds go to help military and first-responder families.

Michele Nelson, volunteer race director, is a retired detective.

“I was working patrol in 2001 when our nation was attacked. I've always felt the need to help, serve and protect, but never more than after 9/11,” she said.

During the last six years of her career, she was part of an anti-terrorism task force dedicated to training first responders and local businesses in situational awareness and the "See Something, Say Something" motto.

“I discovered this foundation about 10 years ago and decided to become a volunteer for this amazing cause,” she wrote.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was started by the siblings of New York firefighter Stephen Siller “in order to remember and honor their brother and all those who died on 9/11.”

This is the first time the Tunnels to Towers Foundation has held the 5K race in Idaho.