Alan Lackner (left) and Mike Fleurkens were among a dozen volunteers who helped place banners commemorating U.S. military service men and women in front of the Grant County Courthouse Thursday morning. The banners were provided by the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project, which pays tribute to those whose lives were lost during or after their service in conflicts in the Middle East. The display is in conjunction with a 9/11 remembrance ceremony organized by the Ephrata American Legion Auxiliary that is planned at the courthouse this evening at 5:30 p.m. Lackner and Fleurkens are among staff from Columbia Basin Hydropower – located across the street – assisting with the work party. “We’re here to support the community,” said Fleurkens, with Lackner adding, “We’re happy to help.” Photos by Randy BrachtThe Fallen Heroes display lined grassy expanses on both sides of the main courthouse entryway on C Street N.W. Heather Wilson of Ephrata, vice president of the local Legion Auxiliary whose husband Jason served nearly 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, helped coordinate volunteers who installed about 200 banners for public viewing.Kris Hemmerling of Odessa shows an informational banner about the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project. It pays tribute to nearly 400 military personnel from the Northwest and offers support to their families and loved ones. Among those recognized are Columbia Basin natives Jamie Krausse Campbell of Ephrata, Dale Batey of Quincy, and Jeremiah Schmunk of Warden.Hemmerling, who served in the Army and Army National Guard for 17 years, said he had been stationed with Batey and was in Iraq with Schmunk as a member of the Moses Lake-based 161st armored infantry unit.Students from Ephrata High School teacher Jason Laugen’s civics classes were among those visiting the display this morning. This evening’s ceremony will also include a tribute to local law enforcement, firefighters and first responders, reflecting congressional designation of Sept. 11 as both Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.
