GRANT COUNTY — Communities across Grant County will pause Friday to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honor the first responders who risked and gave their lives in the aftermath as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

In Ephrata, American Legion Art Semro Post/Unit 28 will host a public Patriot Day ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Grant County Courthouse. The event will include tributes to the first responders who served during the attacks as well as local police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel who continue serving communities across the region. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. 

Moses Lake Firefighters Local 1258 will hold a remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. at Civic Park. Organizers are inviting community members to gather for a time of remembrance, reflection and gratitude for those who lost their lives and the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

In Quincy, the Quincy Valley Historical Society Museum will be open for tours from 1 to 5 p.m. The Veterans of Columbia Basin will then host a Patriot Day commemoration at 5 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Reiman-Simmons House. 

Mattawa residents will have two opportunities to participate in remembrance activities. A ceremony is scheduled for 8 a.m. at the U.S. Flag Plaza in Mattawa. Later in the day, Grant County Fire District 8 will host a community meal and refreshments from 4 to 7 p.m. at 20643 Road 22.5 SW, with a remembrance ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. 

Congress designated Sept. 11 as Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks on New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania in 2001. 

Organizers across Grant County said the events are intended to ensure the sacrifices of victims, service members and first responders are never forgotten.