City to observe 9/11 with community reflections

West Chicago, Illinois: August 5, 2011 – As plans for the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on America are being finalized in West Chicago, the community is asked to provide their written memories or reflections on the fateful day for a multi-media presentation which will be part of “Remembering 9/11: A West Chicago Observance”, to be held at Reed-Keppler Park on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

Following the ringing of West Chicago church bells at 6:00 p.m., Mayor Mike Kwasman will lead a formal program of tribute to the heroes of 9/11; first responders, many of who lost their lives while trying to save others, our esteemed veterans who have given service to our country and continue to safeguard the freedom we hold so dear, and to citizens who lost their lives in the melee. The tribute will include Color Guards, bagpipers, community musical and choir groups and shared experience, plus a dedication of a new monument.

Members of the West Chicago Police Department and West Chicago Fire Protection District, as well as veterans of the 10th Mountain Division, Afghanistan and Army's 82nd Airborne Division, will read some of the responses the community provides against a backdrop of photographs gathered by committee members that memorialize the events that took place in New York, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

Short essays of 250 words or less about personal experiences and/or reactions of the events as they unfolded on television, computer, radio or through friends and loved ones, should be mailed to City Hall, 475 Main St., West Chicago, IL 60185 Attn: 9/11 Committee; emailed to rmackey@westchicago.org; or submitted online at www.westchicago.org. Please include contact information.

Also on hand for the ceremony will be West Chicago Park District Director Gary Major who will dedicate a bronze memorial sculpture and recognize the recipient of the 2011 West Chicago Home Town Hero Award. Nominations for this Award are being accepted through Friday, Aug. 19 and more details may found at www.we-goparks.org. The planning committee hopes to provide a meaningful observance that will pay tribute to those who lost their lives or risked them to help others, memorialize the events for future generations, and celebrate America's strength and unity.