It’s been 12 years since the horrific events of 9/11. Since then, a small group of us have tried to memorialize that day annually by putting out 1,000-plus flags in the medians and along the parks in downtown Kirkland. The response has been varied. Many love it because they feel it is an event we need to remember, as much for the tragedy itself as for the huge demonstrations of American pride that came as a result.

Many are concerned that it focuses on events that are too awful to remember year after year and that it’s time to move on. And some express that it cheapens the memory to simply pull out flags on Sept. 11 every year as if that makes up for it at all. I respect all of these perspectives.

This year, we made the decision to not put out the flags. We will not do so again until 2016, the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and then again in 2021, the 20th.

I hope that you, like will today, lift up your heart to the memory of all who perished or whose lives were irrevocably changed, to remember in particular the brave acts of so many firefighters and police officers, and to recognize how very lucky we are every day to live in this country, in this state, in this city. We will never forget.

Penny Sweet, Kirkland