Local programs help us remember those who perished Sept. 11, 2001
Elgin
Sixth annual Patriot Day program: An Elgin city-wide program to recognize those who were a part of Sept. 11, 2001 as well as reflect on how the world has changed since this tragic date, will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.
Sponsored by Elgin AMVets Post 202, this sixth annual program will feature keynote speaker Rosamaria Martinez. An Elgin native, Martinez is the first Hispanic female to hold the position of Commander of Elgin American Legion Post No. 57. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army and spent time in Egypt, Germany and South Korea.
Other participants include Elgin Mayor Ed Schock, Elgin Police Chief Lisa Womack, and a Color Guard from the Elgin Police Department. A firing squad by AMVets Post 202 will conclude the event.
The 45-minute program also will include an invocation and benediction by the Rev. Mona Walker of the First United Methodist Church of Elgin, and the singing of "God Bless America" by Rise Jones.
Elgin historian and teacher Jerry Turnquist will serve as the master of ceremonies. For information, call Robert Whiteleather at (847) 608-1481.
Ceremony at the Peace Pole: In honor of Sept. 11, 2001, Elgin Community College will host a memorial in honor of the lives lost that fateful day.
The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Peace Pole, on Varrack Court outside the Renner Learning Resources Center at ECC's main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Symbolizing hope and peace on Earth, peace poles are hand crafted monuments erected the world over as an international symbol of peace. To date, more than 200,000 peace poles have been dedicated.
The purpose of the pole is to spread the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth," and to act as a constant reminder of it. Peace poles stand 7 feet tall when planted and have four plates with the inscription "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in four different languages, one on each side.
The ECC peace pole carries the message in English, Arabic, Spanish and Chinese. For information about student life at ECC, visit the Web site www.elgin.edu/studentlife.
South Elgin
Residents asked to honor 9/11: Sept. 11, 2007 marks the sixth anniversary of terrorist attacks which killed more than 3,000 Americans, destroyed the World Trade Center in New York City, and damaged the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.
South Elgin Village President Hansen urges residents to remember this event in American history in an appropriate way: by flying an American flag, pausing for silent reflection, or attending a public ceremony at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday in the South Elgin High School auditorium, 760 E. Main St.
After opening remarks, there will be a brief service, including musical tributes. For information, call South Elgin Fire Chief Joe Cluchey at (847) 741-2141.
Union
Remembering: On Tuesday, the McHenry County Historical Society will open its award-winning museum at 6422 Main St. in Union free to the public from 1 to 4 p.m.
Tables set up in the museum will hold binders filled with recollection sheets filled out in past years on the tragic and deadly attacks perpetrated on Sept. 11, 2001. Those wishing to add recollections and/or personal comments will be able to do so.
Collections such as this one will become the foundation for what is written of this period.
For information, call the society at (815) 923-2267 or www.mchsonline.org.