Ephrata proclamation honors 9/11 victims, calls for service

EPHRATA — As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the City of Ephrata has proclaimed Sept. 11, 2026, as a Day of Remembrance and Service, encouraging residents to honor victims and first responders through reflection, gratitude and community service. 

Mayor Steve Oliver signed the proclamation Sept. 2, memorializing those who died in the attacks and recognizing the sacrifices made by military members, police officers, firefighters and emergency responders. 

The proclamation states that Americans can honor the victims of 9/11 and those who continue to protect the nation "through acts of service" and calls on residents to engage in community service throughout the year while "never taking our freedoms for granted." 

Oliver said the city felt it was important to formally recognize the anniversary and the sacrifices made by those who serve. 

"I think everyone agrees with me that our veterans' contributions aren't really rewarded enough," Oliver said. "A single day doesn't really seem to summarize how many freedoms they fought for." 

Oliver said remembering days such as Sept. 11 helps Americans better understand the events that shaped the nation. 

"It’s in everyone's best interest to remember our past to make sure we don't repeat our mistakes," he said. "We need to learn how we got here and what it took to get here to have everything that we have." 

The mayor described Sept. 11 as one of the defining moments in modern American history. 

"It's a day of infamy," Oliver said. "It's one of those days you remember where you were and what you were doing when you witnessed everything." 

Oliver said it remains important to commemorate the attacks 25 years later, noting the loss of innocent lives and the sacrifices made by first responders. 

"People died. Lots of people died. Good people, innocent people," he said. "Lots of firefighters died, paramedics died, policemen died. Everybody that was trying to help paid the ultimate price for their service." 

The proclamation also emphasizes volunteerism and service, reflecting Congress' designation of Sept. 11 as both Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance. 

"Our entire military is volunteer-based," Oliver said. "We are reliant upon brave patriots to make that ultimate choice." 

Oliver said younger generations who did not experience the attacks firsthand should still learn about their significance. 

"I wasn't born when the Civil War occurred, but I need to learn about that," he said. "If you don't know your history, you're bound to repeat it." 

The mayor will read the proclamation during a public Patriot Day ceremony hosted by American Legion Art Semro Post/Unit 28 at 5:30 p.m. Friday on the front lawn of the Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata. The ceremony will include tributes to those killed in the attacks and to local police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel who continue serving communities across Grant County. 

In the proclamation, Oliver wrote that the observance should promote "global peace, goodwill, and responsible citizenship," while demonstrating the nation's resolve in the face of terrorism. 

"We need to remember these days, and it is important," Oliver said. "You can't just enjoy your freedoms now without knowing how you got them." 

A PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 11, 2026, AS A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE & SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF EPHRATA 

WHEREAS, the unprovoked attacks of September 11, 2001, upon the United States by foreign terrorists thrust the United States, and its allies, into an ongoing war on terror; and, 

WHEREAS, Congress designated September 11 as Patriot Day on December 18, 2001, and National Day of Service and Remembrance on April 21, 2009, to pay tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks through charitable service and good deeds; and, 

WHEREAS, American emergency service and armed forces personnel are fully committed to ensuring our freedoms are unfettered and sovereign, now and forever; and, 

WHEREAS, the challenges facing all the civilized people of the world as they relate to the war on terror will not end until the eradication of inhuman acts perpetuated around the globe; and, 

WHEREAS, one way to accomplish this is to never forget the innocent victims of terror attacks and those who sacrifice for our freedoms; and 

WHEREAS, the United States can ensure the victims of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks did not die in vain, by reminding the world of their sacrifices and contributions to our nation; and, 

WHEREAS, a noble and appropriate way to accomplish this is by celebrating their lives; and, 

WHEREAS, each American, including the residents of Ephrata, can show unity and honor the victims of 9/11 and those who protect us from terror through acts of service; and, 

WHEREAS, this commemoration should include the promotion of global peace, goodwill, and responsible citizenship; the encouragement of patriotism and love of country; as well as a demonstration of our nation’s resolve to persevere in the face of terrorism; and, 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Steve Oliver, Mayor of Ephrata, do issue this proclamation to memorialize the victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks; and be it further RESOLVED, the citizens of Ephrata, Washington will continue to honor those who serve so we may enjoy our freedoms; and be it further RESOLVED, we will do our utmost to engage in community service on September 11 and throughout the year, never taking our freedoms for granted. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Ephrata to be affixed this 2ND day of September 2026.