Flag display commemorates Sept. 11 in Glendale Heights

Ten thousand U.S. flags will decorate the front yards of every home, business and park in Glendale Heights to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks thanks in part to a donation from Adventist GlenOaks Hospital.

The hospital partnered with village and other officials on the project. Shortly after the attacks 10 years ago, the village posted flags around neighborhoods and commercial areas as a show of solidarity following the attacks at the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

“On the 10th anniversary of this tragic day, our thoughts are with all of the victims of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and their families,” Glendale Heights Mayor Linda Jackson said. “Being able to post these flags again, as we did a decade ago, is a way for us to show our solidarity as a village.”

For Adventist GlenOaks Hospital officials, the project represents not only a demonstration of patriotism but also an opportunity to support the community.

“Being part of the Glendale Heights community is an important part of our hospital's identity,” said Bruce C. Christian, chief executive officer. “This project allows us to stand alongside the village to declare that we will never forget the events of Sept. 11, 2001.”

The flags will be distributed to homes and businesses today. In addition, the village will post nearly 3,000 flags in front of village hall — one to represent every civilian life lost on Sept. 11.