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Idaho joins nation in 9-11 memorial observances

Boise firefighters and police officers will join other emergency responders locally and around the nation in pausing, honoring and remembering those who sacrificed their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 as a result of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"Remembering those who gave their lives on 9-11 we do several things; we humbly and gratefully honor their service and sacrifice, we remember that we too could be called upon at any time to make the same sacrifice in service and protection of our community, and we remember that the threat to our freedoms that exploded so violently 10 years ago on American soil is still a threat today," said Boise Fire Chief Dennis Doan.

"We honor those who gave all 10 years ago by being even more vigilant and prepared. In their memory, firefighters and emergency responders are better trained, better equipped, and better able to work together to respond to any disaster than at any other time in our history." said Doan.

"Prior to 9-11 many of us felt our security was the responsibility of just a few. Today we know our security is up to all of us, be it protection from someone planning to blow up a building or someone threatening harm to our neighbors. Today we are all more conscious and aware of the need to care for and watch out for each other. That is a legacy the families of 9-11 can be proud of," said Boise Chief of Police Michael Masterson.

The public is invited to the following ceremonies:

• 8:00 a.m. – Sept. 11, Memorial and Remembrance, Idaho Fallen Firefighter Memorial, 1775 Shoreline Dr.

This event features a solemn memorial, including combined emergency services Pipes and Drums and honor guards, comments from Doan, Masterson and U.S. attorney to Wendy Olson, and an honor guard bell ceremony.

• 9:30 a.m. – Opening ceremonies for the Never Forget Memorial Golf Tournament, Falcon Crest Golf Course, 11102 S. Cloverdale Rd.

Opening ceremonies include a special address given by Mike Lowe, the son of a Boise firefighter and the father of two young men who both served in Iraq. One son, Joe was paralyzed by an explosion in Iraq while serving as a Marine.

The tournament's opening ceremony also will include a display of fire, police and other emergency vehicles, Pipes and Drums and a multi-agency honor guard. The golf tournament is filled with approx 46 teams of four players each. Proceeds and donations from the tournament will benefit the Idaho Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Idaho Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Boise Public Safety agencies have also been made aware of the following ceremony recognizing the sacrifices of 9-11.

The following event is not sponsored by the city but is passed on as information that may be of interest to the public:

• 4:00 p.m. – A Tribute to those who serve in the military, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, Idaho State Capitol front steps.

The event is sponsored by Treasure the Valley (www.treasurethevalley.com) and will honor members of law enforcement, fire and rescue service, the armed forces and all who protect our lives and property by putting their lives on the line on a daily basis.

Organizers say over the 10-years since 9-11, more than 70 Idahoans have been killed in the line of duty (including those serving with a branch of the military in Idaho) with numerous others permanently disabled and carrying the scars of their service.

"While members of the military, law enforcement, fire and rescue service do not consider themselves ‘heroes’ there are many in our communities who recognize the toll their service takes on those who protect Americans – overseas and at home," according to organizer Montie Ralstin.

“We would like to recognize their service, thank their families, offer hope and a prayer for them and their loved ones,” said Ralstin, Lead Pastor of Boise Valley Christian Communion and Treasure the Valley Board Member.