KENNEWICK, Wash. – The City of Kennewick and Southridge Sports and Events Complex hosted their annual commemoration event for the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Isaac Merkl from the Kennewick Police Department shared his personal reflections on the day, noting the impact the attacks had on him as a young man and now as a 20-year law enforcement veteran.
“I can still remember my father who was a 30-year police officer in Moses Lake, coming through the room, waking me up and telling me about what had just occurred,” said Merkl. “Just watching the coverage that day and feeling how it impacted me… and here we are now. this is still a very impactful day.”
Merkl emphasized the importance of community service and protection, highlighting the sacrifice of nearly 441 first responders who died on that day.”
“It’s a reinforcement to us for that community service and that commitment to protect others,” he said.
The event also served as a bridge between generations, ensuring that memories and stories of September 11th are passed down.
Merkl spoke about the significance of having a memorial in Kennewick. “We’re very fortunate in Kennewick to have this memorial here,” he said. “I would say to those that weren’t alive or didn’t have that connection with 9/11 to watch the videos watch some coverage and then come to the memorial and see it.”
Michael Heffner from the Kennewick Fire Department highlighted the involvement of TriTech students in the ceremony.
These students, interested in EMS services, were present to honor the victims and learn about the traditions of the fire service.
“We’re very honored that they were out here this morning honoring the victims of 9/11,” said Heffner.
He explained the significance of students participating in the event, saying it was “a really good opportunity for them to learn some of the traditions about being in-formation, saluting, hand over the heart, watching the honor guard out there raising the colors and honoring the events of 9/11.”
He added, “We as a fire service got here on the backs of those in the past and they are going to be leading us into the future.”
Heffner emphasized the importance of remembering the potential risks associated with the career, noting the sacrifices made by first responders on that day.
“For them, it’s a stark reminder of what this career could bring for someone, the potential loss of life both through the victims [who worked in the Towers] that suffered that day and the firefighters, the police officers and the first responders,” he said.
He stressed the importance of never forgetting and honoring those who gave their lives.
