On Sept. 11, communities across the nation — including Arlington, Marysville and Everett — will be holding observances to honor those who died in the terrorist attack seven years ago.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed that day and the nation will pause to remember and honor their sacrifice. The observances will also thank the first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.

And those who continue to protect our freedom — the men and women of the armed forces — will also be honored at many of the observances. More than 4,700 U.S. service members have been killed in the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. And Snohomish County has lost some of its finest — Marine Pfc. Cody Calavan, 19, of Lake Stevens; Army Spec. Justin Hebert, 20, of Arlington; Army Spec. Jordan Hess, 26, of Marysville; Army Sgt. Phillip Anderson, 28, of Everett; Army Pvt. Michael Baloga, 21, of Everett; Marine Lance Cpl. Dustin Canham, 21, of Lake Stevens; Marine Cpl. Jeffrey Starr, 22, of Snohomish; Army Sgt. Charles Matheny IV, 21, of Stanwood; and Marine Lance Cpl. Shawn Starkovich, 20, of Arlington were all killed fighting to defend our freedoms and to ensure we are never attacked again.

In Marysville, the public is invited to join with elected officials and first responders for a short 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Police and Firefighters Memorial located at the Marysville Public Library, 6120 Grove St., beginning at 8:45 a.m., the time when the first hijacked jet crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

In Arlington, the public is invited to attend the observance which begins at 7 p.m., Sept. 11, in Legion Park on Olympic Avenue.

The 9/11 Memorial Remembrance and Operation Homefront 2008 Freedom Walk will begin at 5:30 p.m., Sept. 11, , at the Snohomish County Plaza, 3000, Rockefeller Ave, in downtown Everett. The city of Marysville is one of the sponsors of this event.

“Empathy for those who list their lives in the 9/11 attack, and the pride we carry as a military family-friendly city are inherent traits of our community,” Marysville Mayor Dennis Kendall said. “This event will serve as a visual reminder to U.S. service members and first responders that we support you. I encourage my fellow citizens and their families to join in the walk and show their appreciation.”

We join with the mayor in encouraging all those in our communities to take time on Sept. 11 to attend one of the local events to remember the sacrifices and honor those who continue to serve.

To contact a member of The Marysville Globe/Arlington Times editorial board — Stuart Chernis or Scott Frank — e-mail forum@marysvilleglobe.com.