MCC places flags in honor of 9/11 victims

On a crisp, blue-sky day not unlike Sept. 11, 2001, the McHenry County College community gathered to remember and reflect on the events of nearly 10 years ago.

Students, faculty members and school staffers were far outnumbered by the 2,996 American flags placed in the courtyard near the school's peace pole at the Crystal Lake campus, in honor of the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

While students in attendance, who were likely 8 or 9 years old at the time, listened to speakers reference the attacks in 2001, the faces of faculty members and employees told a story of painful remembrance.

Johnsburg resident and MCC employee Marie Frostman wiped away tears as student Amanda Appner read a poem in honor of the anniversary.

Bill Brogan, criminal justice instructor at the college and former police chief for the City of McHenry, called on those in attendance to not only remember the civilian victims of the attacks but also the first responders who he said made the ultimate sacrifice doing their jobs.

Pastor Tim Mengler of The Vineyard Christian Church in Crystal Lake closed the ceremony by asking for forgiveness for those responsible for the attacks.