Fox Valley Sept. 11 observances

McHenry County: On Thursday, Sept. 11 the McHenry County Historical Society Museum at 6422 Main St. in Union will open free to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. The historical society hopes that visitors will take a few moments while visiting to sit and read the local recollections from Sept. 11 that area residents wrote.

Each year since 2001 the historical society has provided the public with an opportunity to add their own recollections on information sheets. It is from those personal accounts that future historians and family members will turn to in interpreting that horrific event. Even after seven years the majority of us remember numerous details of that September morning. The historical society will continue to collect and preserve these very personal accounts.

For information on the society, its museum, membership, mission, programs and volunteer opportunities, call (815) 923-2267 or check the Web site at www.mchsonline.org.

Field of Patriots parade, Elgin: In observance of the Sept. 11 anniversary, a Field of Patriots parade will take place at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Participants will include Great Lakes Navy Band, Red Cross, Police, Salvation Army, Civil Air Patrol, 33rd Brigade, various veterans groups, elected officials and the USO. There also is a Hospice Unit that is forming the WWII Veterans contingent.

Patriots will gather at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at the parade ground adjacent to Lot 5 at Elgin Community College.

The event is being sponsored by Chapter VI - Elite Forces, 173rd Airborne Brigade Association and Elgin's VFW Post 1307. In regard to the Patriot's Day Military Parade, it will resemble a Military Pass in Review Parade.

This year, the ceremonies and Pass in Review will salute both the soldiers of the Illinois National Guard's 33rd Brigade which is currently deploying for Afghanistan and their families. The soldiers serving in Afghanistan and the families serving at home in Illinois are Patriots of equal stature.

City of Elgin: A City of Elgin program to recognize those who were part of the tragic events of Sept. 11, as well as to reflect on how the world has changed since this date will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

Sponsored by Elgin AMVETS Post 202, this seventh annual program will feature an address by Dale Dopkins, a retired United Airlines pilot and United States Navy fighter pilot.

Also included in the 45-minute program will be Elgin Mayor Schock, and several city staff speakers. An invocation and benediction will be given by Rev. Mona Walker of the First United Methodist Church of Elgin and Rise' Jones will sing "God Bless America" with piano accompaniment by Murna Hansemann.

The Elgin Police Department will furnish a color guard and a firing squad by AMVETS Post 202 will conclude the event.

For information, Robert Whiteleather, AMVETS Post 202 at (847) 608-1481.