Five years and two days ago, America froze in wake of terrorism as the heart of the East Coast and the entire nation was struck by the deaths of thousands of innocents.

While the nation has made strides since then, each year on the anniversary of the attacks, millions gather to discuss and remember what 9/11 meant to them. In North Kitsap, the fire districts have helped in this regard.

At the North Kitsap Fire & Rescue headquarters, people from all over were invited to a breakfast to commemorate the anniversary.

“It’s very surreal,” NKF&R firefighter Grant Elsworth said of the event, adding that it was nice to see people of all ages at the breakfast, some eating before they hurried off to school. “It shows people haven’t forgotten.”

As North End residents gathered around the tables, eating eggs, bacon and toast, they shared stories about what they were doing on Sept. 11, 2001, or events since then that have caused them to reflect on that day.

“We went to Ground Zero to pay our respects,” said Kingston resident Cheryl Steele, noting that her family traveled to the former site of the World Trade Center in New York City about three years ago. “It was overwhelming. Those were the quietest three blocks I had ever been on. Nothing was changed. Everything was the same as it was that morning. It was completely overwhelming.”

The Poulsbo Fire Department also opened its doors to anyone wanting to pay their respects. A ceremony was held at 10 a.m. at the Liberty Road station to commemorate the towers falling, said Poulsbo Fire Department Chief Jim Shields.

“A good number of people came to see the ceremony,” he said, adding that it was emotional for those who participated. “There’s been a lot of media coverage about 9/11. We’ve been playing some of it in the station for people to see when they come through. This is a solemn occasion.”

While respectful, NKF&R’s gathering had a much different flavor.

“This is such an upbeat, positive day,” said Fire Commissioner Gillian Gregory during the NKF&R breakfast. “This is about moving forward positively, while pausing to remember the events of the past.”

Gregory said she was just outside the Suquamish Fire Station, waiting for her ride to work the morning the Twin Towers were hit. Once in the van, the driver said “You gotta hear this,” and turned up the radio. Gregory said she rode the rest of the way to work listening to the coverage of the attacks.

“It was surreal,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Though the people attending breakfast were considerably more cheerful compared to five years ago, discussions all centered around the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

“It’s good to see the public here, talking about their personal experiences,” said NKF&R firefighter Jack Meikle. “It feels good that something good is coming out of (9/11). It can help to be around other people when remembering something like 9/11.”

“Our hope is this helps people remember the devastation of that day,” Shields said. “I think the open house and the activities we had helped.”

About 200 people attended the NKF&R breakfast, which was provided by the Clearwater Casino. Those attending donated about $1,200, which went to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, said NKF&R Public Information Officer Michéle Laboda. That amount was the highest yet, she said.

About 25 to 30 residents attended the Sept. 11 ceremony at PFD, Shields said. People also meandered in during the day when their schedules allowed them to visit.

“I think it’s nice that we’re remembering every year,” said NKF&R firefighter Rick LaGrandeur. “We’re past the coping stage. Now we just need to remember not to forget.”