Prineville 9/11 returning in new location

A 9/11 display in Prineville created by local residents is moving to a more prominent location.

The display, which has occupied space on Northeast Fifth Street next to Rick Steber – Makers, will be shown this year on the Crook County Courthouse lawn and the Prineville City Hall Plaza across the street.

Roland and Mona Glade, who moved to Prineville in 2016, will once again share this display with the community, a display gifted to them by the late Lake County Deputy Sheriff Chuck Pore. The Glades describe Pore as a true American patriot and note that the display was one of his passions. Every year, since the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Pore created and presented the display on the courthouse lawn in Lakeview. Roland and Mona, along with others, would help with the annual event.

Pore passed away on his 65th birthday in 2020, and his wife, Jenn, gifted the Glades with Pore’s project. They have been featuring the display ever since.

This display will feature not only canvas prints, a police officer memorial and a flag of heroes but also original newspapers from the day of the tragic event and 2,977 flags representing the lives lost in the 9/11 attacks. The display will be shown Sept. 7-14.

“It's a sight not to be missed,” Mona Glade said.

Roland and Mona are quite familiar with volunteers and first responders. They were both volunteer EMTs and structural firefighters for the Lakeview area for many years until they retired from both occupations. Roland is a retired fire chief for Thomas Creek/Westside RFPD.

The Glades believe it is important to continually bring to the forefront the memory of 9/11. They consider it a privilege to share the significant historical event with the community, and they are grateful for generous support and sponsorship provided by Prineville Mid Oregon Personnel.

Ever since the Glades took over the display, they have worked hard to boosts its visibility and impact.

“The display is gradually growing each year, and we are incorporating many items from Chuck's original display,” Mona said. “It is solely funded by us, so we do what we can as we are able to. For those who have seen the display before, it will have a completely new appearance. We are pleased with the direction it is heading and how we can include newer items each year.”

The couple encourages everyone to visit the display during its weeklong presence in downtown Prineville.

“Many can remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard about the tragic event, but many were not yet born at the time or never learned about it because it is not usually taught in schools,” Mona said. “We urge teachers of all students, from elementary to high school, to bring their classes to hear and see what 9/11 was all about. This event happened in their world. This display is truly unique, and anyone who visits will not be disappointed.”