The 2023 ceremony included both West Linn and Oregon City as we returned to the Historic Arch Bridge
West Linn Remembers 9/11 ... and
Honoring Those Who Serve Us Today
The 2023 ceremony included both West Linn and Oregon City as we returned to the Historic Arch Bridge
2024 –– 23rd Anniversary of 9/11
At 2 p.m. on Wednesday 9/11/24, we will again gather at on the Historic Arch Bridge between West Linn and Oregon City over the Willamette River for a brief ceremony to remember 9/11/01 and to honor the first responders serving us today.
See the 2023 Historic Arch Bridge video here ...
This year's ceremony is modeled after the original 2002-04 ceremonies, where there was no speaking, just a moment of silence and then the dropping of a wreath into the river by the mayors of West Linn and Oregon City. The public is invited to bring flowers to drop into the river after the wreath drop. We've added a bit of ceremony, including the "missing man" fire bell ring by TVF&R.
We have permission from ODOT to close the bridge for just 5 minutes, so be early to find a place to park and walk onto the bridge. Bring flowers for the drop and for the Community Thank You vases being taken back to the stations.
After the ceremony on the bridge, as is our tradition, please help us make six vases of flowers to deliver to West Linn's first responders, Oregon City's PD, Clackamas Fire Station #1, . We will make those stops to deliver flowers, cards, and our personal thanks:
- 3:30 TVF&R Station 58 (Bolton)
- 3:45 TVF&R Station 55 (20790 Hidden Springs Rd, West Linn, OR 97068)
- 4:00 West Linn Police Station
- 4:15 TVF&R Station 59 (1860 Willamette Falls Dr, West Linn, OR 97068)
- 4:40 Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
- 4:55 Oregon State Police
- Clackamas Fire and Oregon City Police will take bouquets and cards with them as they leave the ceremony
Please join us for a brief time of quiet honor, reflection, and remembrance in honor of the nearly 3,000 innocent people from over 70 countries who lost their lives on 9/11, the first responders at the three crash sites, the nearly 7,000 lost in the ensuing wars on terror, and especially to honor all our current first responders (police, fire, medical) & soldiers who continue to bravely and selflessly serve us every day.
The 10th anniversary 2011 ceremony included the ringing of the 5-5-5 bell signaling a missing man and a placing of the wreath onto the river from TVF&R's Station #59 rescue boat.
We extend a special invitation to soldiers, veterans, and all who put themselves in harm's way for us.
The 2018 ceremony introduced TVF&R Station 55's new "tiller" hook and ladder truck to the community
We will have a flag ceremony, some brief words and music, ringing of the 5-5-5 bell, and then in a show of honor, the community will solemly toss flowers into the river and build four bouquets of flowers – one each for the WLPD and our three TVF&R stations. The public is encouraged to bring flowers for the bouquets. Fire engines, including Station 55's new hook & high ladder "tiller" truck, Police, and other vehicles will be on display afterward for the kids.
What's the meaning of the flags with the "Thin Blue Line" and the "Thin Red Line"?
The Thin Blue Line is a symbol used by law enforcement, originating in the United Kingdom but now prevalent in the United States and Canada to commemorate fallen law enforcement officers and to symbolize the relationship of law enforcement in the community as the protectors of fellow civilians from criminal elements. Law enforcement, the blue line, is what stands between the public and the violence or victimization by criminals.[ref]
The Thin Red Line of Courage represents the last ounce of courage firefighters find deep in their blood to conquer their darkest fears in order to save and protect life and property. The firefighters from the Apex (North Carolina) Volunteer Fire Department designed and developed the “The Thin Red Line of Courage” in 1999. Today, it is displayed to show respect for firefighters injured and killed in the line of duty.[ref]
Tolling of the Bell
Throughout most of history, the life of a firefighter has been closely associated with the ringing of a bell. As they began their tour of duty, it was the bell that started the shift. Throughout the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which called them to duty and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow man. And when the call had ended it was the bell that rang to signal the end of the call.
The fire service is rich with ceremony, custom, and tradition. The custom of rendering final honors has its origins in the fire department of the city of New York (FDNY), where many years ago, long before the advent of radios or pagers, fire alarms, and daily announcements were dispatched from central headquarters to outlying firehouses by a system of bell commands and telegraph. Each different type of alarm or announcement would have its own number and series of bell strikes. At FDNY, when a firefighter died in the line of duty or when some important official or personage died headquarters would transmit five bell strikes, repeated in four series, with a slight pause between each series, followed by the announcement. This was done as long ago as 1865 in the NYFD to inform the rank and file of the death of Abraham Lincoln.
Fire Departments utilize these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect on those who have selflessly given their lives for the good of their fellow man, their final alarm served, their tasks completed, their duties well done to announce that they are going home "to a higher station".
Each fire department has their own tolling pattern – our local Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue strikes THREE FIVES.
Fireman's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me strength to save a life
Whatever be its age.
Let me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
and quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
To give the best in me,
To guard my friend and neighbor
And protect their property.
And, if, according to your will,
While on duty I must answer death's call;
Bless with your protecting hand
My family, one and all.
Press
Community 9/11 Yellow Ribbon Project
West A Street over I-205 (by West Linn High School) ... starting Monday 9/4
In 2011 over 3,000 ribbons were tied on
both sides of the "A" Street bridge over
I-205 by dozens of West Linn residents.
We're decorating the West A Street bridge where it crosses I-205 with yellow ribbons in honor of those who served & died on 9/11, our current first responders, veterans, & our all of our troops.
Over 90,000 cars drive under these bridges every day. Let them know you remember and that you and West Linn care!
Please stop by anytime the week before 9/11 and tie a yellow ribbon on the fence. Bring your family, and remember as you tie 1, 10, 100, or more ribbons.
Help your children to be touched by recent history and to learn to honor & respect those who serve them today.
Ribbons will be supplied.
Please note that while Honoring Those Who Serve is a community-city partnership project, the Yellow Ribbon Project is strictly community-driven.
VIDEOS
2023 ... Video of the 22nd Anniversary ceremony - Historic Arch Bridge:
2017 ... Video of the 16th Anniversary ceremony:
2016 ... Video of the 15th Anniversary ceremony:
2011 ... Video of the 10th Anniversary ceremony:
Senator Ron Wyden chose West Linn as one of his two featured events to visit on the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01. Click below to see the event video.
22 minutes long - the intro song you see with photos was played to the attendees to start the ceremony.