Ceremonies mark anniversary of nation's worst terrorist attack

On the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed thousands, destroyed the World Trade Center's twin towers, damaged the Pentagon and changed life in the United States, public officials, police and fire departments, and military veterans are holding remembrance events around the suburbs. Here's a look at some of the events in the Northwest suburbs:

Barrington

Barrington is hosting a remembrance ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday at Barrington Memorial Park, Lincoln Avenue and Hough Street.

Then, at 3 p.m. at Barrington's White House, the American String Quartet will perform "Lyric in a Time of War," poignant and passionate works to mark the 9/11 anniversary, honor fallen veterans and pay tribute to all who are serving our country in the military. The works will be interspersed with readings by poet Tom Sleigh on war. Tickets are at BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com. Details are inside today's Neighbor section.

Des Plaines

Des Plaines city officials, firefighters, police and the public will gather in front of city hall at 8 a.m. Sunday to participate in a 15-minute ceremony at the site where a 114-pound piece of metal that was part of the World Trade Center is displayed. The base that it rests on was provided by Des Plaines American Legion Post 36.

At 10:30 a.m., the Des Plaines branch of the Salvation Army will hold its Sunday services at the Lake Park Memorial Pavilion with its sermon theme devoted to 9/11. Members of Des Plaines VFW Post 2992 will perform a rifle salute and assist in lowering the U.S. flag to half-mast and Cmdr. Mike Lake will speak.

At 1 p.m., the Legion will host a ceremony at the chapel of All Saints Cemetery, 700 N. River Road, where flags will be installed to honor police and firefighters buried there.

Elk Grove Village

The Community Character Coalition, in partnership with VFW Post 9248, the Heart of a Marine Foundation, Shennyo-en Temple and the Elk Grove Interfaith Council, is hosting a special 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at noon Sunday at VFW Hall, 400 E Devon Ave. Hanover Park

Hanover Park will hold a 9 a.m. Saturday Memorial Ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial at the village hall, 2121 Lake St., followed by A Race To Remember, a timed 5K run/walk, at 11 am at Greenbrook Elementary School/Heritage Park, 5208 Arlington Circle. Race registration is $30 at signmeup.com/115406. Proceeds provide services to military, their families and caregivers across northern Illinois. Those events are followed by Hanover Park Family Day from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the school. It will include a snack and activities for the family.

Hoffman Estates

The Hoffman Estates village board and the Celebrations Commission will hold their annual Sept. 11th Ceremony of Remembrance at 11 a.m. Sunday at the village hall, 1900 Hassell Road.

Schaumburg Fire Department Lt. John Schneidwind, a 9/11 first responder, will share his firsthand experience assisting at ground zero in the aftermath of the tragedy. Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be served.

Mount Prospect

The village, park district, VFW Post 1337 and American Legion Post 525 will hold a "Lest We Forget" ceremony at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Veterans Memorial Bandshell, 411 S. Maple St. In bad weather, the ceremony will move to the adjacent Lions Recreation Center.

First responders from the police and fire departments will open the service with a presentation of flags, laying of a special wreath and ringing of a ceremonial bell. An invocation will be delivered by the Rev. Russ Bechtold and keynote speaker Jillian Bocenda will share a personal reflection.

Palatine

The village will host a 30-minute memorial ceremony at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Palatine Firefighters Memorial, corner of North Brockway Street and West Slade Street, in the village's downtown.

Fire department members and retirees will march to the memorial site from Fire Station 85, 39 E. Colfax St., accompanied by the Palatine Fire Department Honor Guard and the Palatine Police Department Honor Guard. They will lower the flag, place a wreath and perform a ceremonial ringing of the bell to signify a firefighter's last call of duty.

Schaumburg

Schaumburg VFW Post 2202 will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday at Veterans Gateway Park, 2 S. Roselle Road. It will honor first responders and include the playing of "Taps," and prayer. Sponsors include Streamwood VFW Post 5151 and Schaumburg American Legion Post 1983.