Des Plaines Police Cmdr. Nick Treantafeles and Fire Department Deputy Chief Ron Eilken stand behind the 114-pound beam salvaged from ground zero, which they were instrumental in bringing to Des Plaines. About 500 people attended the 9/11 commemoration Sunday.
Photo by Karen Kocenzak/City of Des Plaines
About 500 people attended ceremonies at 8 a.m. Sunday at the Des Plaines Civic Center marking the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Members of the Des Plaines Fire and Police Departments, American Legion Post 36 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2992 played key roles in the event, which featured the unveiling of a memorial, highlighted by a 114-pound beam that was salvaged from the remnants of the World Trade Center.
Deputy Fire Chief Ron Eilken, Des Plaines Police Cmdr. Nicholas Treantafeles, VFW Post Cmdr. William Fiegel and Media Specialist William Soderberg coordinated the event, overseen by acting City Manager Jason Slowinski, Fire Chief Alan Wax and Police Chief James Prandini.
The two veterans groups contributed money for the mounting of the beam onto a granite slab, which was donated and engraved by Peter Troost Monument Co. Lurvey’s Landscape & Design, Rebel’s Trophies, Renew Autobody, the city’s Public Works Department, and Firefighter /Paramedic Sam Foster, who welded the beam, also contributed.
More than two years ago, t he fire department requested a piece of the WTC from the Port Authority of New York. The artifact arrived in Des Plaines in April, 2011.
“We will never forget the individuals who died that day and the families shattered by the tragic events,” Eilken said. “Our city feels that it is extremely important to continue the tradition of preserving the events and memories of this day and to pay homage to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Youths look at the 9/11 monument made from a piece of a beam recovered from ground zero. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2992 and American Legion Post 36 helped pay for the mounting on a granite slab, which was donated by Peter Troost Monument Co.
Photo by Karen Kocenzak/City of Des Plaines
The Des Plaines Fire Department stands at attention at the Des Plaines event to mark the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. About 500 people attended the commemoration 8 a.m. Sunday at the Des Plaines Civic Center.
Photo by Karen Kocenzak/City of Des Plaines
Veterans stand at attention at the 9/11 commemoration 8 a.m. Sunday at the Des Plaines Civic Center.
Photo by Karen Kocenzak/City of Des Plaines
The Des Plaines Police Honor Guard practices before the 9/11 commemoration Sunday at the Des Plaines Civic Center.
Photo by Karen Kocenzak/City of Des Plaines
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky speaks at the 9/11 commemoration Sunday in Des Plaines as Mayor Marty Moylan looks on from crowd. About 500 people attended the event.
Photo by Karen Kocenzak/City of Des Plaines
Navy Cmdr. Lee Donaldson was the keynote speaker at the Des Plaines commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. About 500 people attended the ceremony 8 a.m. Sunday at the Des Plaines Civic Center.
Photo by Karen Kocenzak/City of Des Plaines
Joel Laessig plays taps at the 9/11 commemoration 8 a.m. Sunday at the Des Plaines Civic Center. The event was attended by about 500 people.
Photo by Karen Kocenzak/City of Des Plaines