Ephrata celebrates Patriot Day
Tammie Ryan's Super Science exhibit is an educational hit with kids and adults alike. The exhibit will be part of this year's Adams County Fair, which takes place Wednesday through Saturday in Othello. Photo from the Super Science website.
EPHRATA - A bell rang 20 times Tuesday in front of the Grant County Courthouse.
The bell rang from an Ephrata Fire Department truck in four sets of five, a custom firefighters follow to honor colleagues who die in the line of duty.
On Tuesday, the bell rang as part of a community remembrance ceremony on Patriot Day. The American Legion Family of Art Semro Post and Unit 28 hosted the event.
In addition to recognizing people serving in the military, Master of Ceremonies Mike Montaney recognized police and fire personnel, and emergency medical technicians.
"The events of Sept. 11, 2001, taught all of us these professions are inherently dangerous," Montaney said.
The Ephrata Police Department, Ephrata Fire Department, ambulance service, Grant County Sheriff's Office and 1161st Transportation Company were acknowledged with awards.
Coordinator Jane Montaney said the event is meant to recognize everyone who has made a sacrifice for the freedoms enjoyed by Americans.
Members of the community placed flags into a bouquet of flowers to remember those who lost their lives in different wars throughout the years, beginning with the American Revolution. Each flag represented a different conflict.
Myra Wentworth said she attended the event because she has a son serving in the military, and she served as a volunteer firefighter for several years.
"It's just something you can be proud of, knowing you contributed to the community," Wentworth said.
She said she feels proud to be an American and to have a son serving in the military.
Sgt. First Class Robert Allen, who has served in the military for nearly 36 years, said he enjoyed the Patriot Day ceremony.
"I'm glad to know there are people that are still willing to put out the extra energy and the extra time to put these ceremonies together and see them all through," Allen said.
Specialist David Ganyo, who has served in the military for 13 years, said he comes from a family of military and political figures and was happy to attend. Ganyo said he can trace the military service in his family from a granduncle who survived the First World War.
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