Faith leaders, veterans, volunteers, and community members gathered at Willow Park on Saturday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The event was held through a message of service, which organizers said has defined the Cache Valley response to tragedy for decades.
The Cache Valley Days of Service commemoration served as the conclusion to two days of service projects across the valley. David Zook, co-chair of Cache Valley Days of Service, stated that between 50 and 100 projects were organized for the occasion.
The morning included the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem performed by the Logan High School Band. Individual prayers and reflections were provided by representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church of Logan, the Logan Islamic Center, and Cache Valley Unitarian Universalists. These representatives then participated in a joint interfaith prayer.
During the ceremony, Wayne Dymock, co-director of the Cache Valley Communication Council, recounted how Cache Community Connections formed in the wake of the September 11 attacks. He noted that local leaders initially met on September 12, 2001, in the basement of First Presbyterian Church to plan a memorial service. The cooperation established during that time led to the formation of Cache Community Connections, which continues to host programs such as community meals, the Warming Center, and interfaith celebrations.
The event also highlighted direct community impact. George Baird, a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam, shared how volunteers came to his home the previous Friday to split firewood and clean his property. Baird noted that the volunteers helped with tasks he could no longer manage due to disabilities related to Agent Orange exposure.
The commemoration also featured a flag retirement demonstration by retired Army Lt. Calvin Jensen and highlighted an art contest organized by United Way of Northern Utah. The winning design by 8-year-old Bridger Elementary student Jace was featured on the Days of Service T-shirts worn by volunteers.
