Kirkland Prepares to Remember 9/11 Ten Years Later

The 10th anniversary of that somber day in American history that will forever be known as “9/11” is this Sunday, and Kirkland residents are preparing to remember it in several ways.

Deputy Mayor Penny Sweet, also the president of the civic group Celebrate Kirkland, is calling on residents and businesses across town to “show your colors” by hanging the American flag.

Sweet hopes residents will join her in honoring the 2,977 victims of the terrorist attack by displaying the flag on their homes, businesses, cars and boats, to help the community come together.

"I believe we have a responsibility for the things that happen in our time," says Sweet. "I take Martin Luther King Day very seriously and Patriot Day I think is something we should also take very seriously.

"My intention is to bring people together again, and that's all it is. It's remembering that sense of country we all felt after 9/11, all across the country."

On Sunday itself, an , “Ashes to Hope,” will be conducted at the beginning at 1 p.m. It is being organized by Rev. Marian Stewart of and other congregations and faiths, including the , Temple B’Nai Torah, The , and the Northshore United Church of Christ.

“It’s not just a church thing,” says the Rev. Stewart. “It’s for the whole community. The interfaith service is not about converting anyone. This is our attempt to get to know to our neighbors, each other. It's so important to reach out."

On Monday, Sept. 12, the Kirkland police and fire departments will conduct a “Patriot Day Memorial Service” at the north flagpoles of .

The commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center begins at 8 a.m., and the public is invited.

Also, on Friday, Sept. 9, the downtown retirement community is hosting a Firefighters Fundraising Dinner, 5-7 p.m.