Sept. 11 survivor to keynote Naperville's 21st annual remembrance

Naperville's 21st annual remembrance ceremony honoring the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks will feature a keynote address from retired Army Lt. Colonel Ryan Yantis, who survived the attack at the Pentagon.

The ceremony, hosted by the Exchange Club of Naperville in partnership with the City of Naperville, is scheduled to begin at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial on the north side of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

The Naperville Municipal Band will perform pre-ceremony musical selections beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Retired Army Lt. Colonel Ryan Yantis, who served 22 years active duty as a Cavalry officer and Army spokesman, will share his personal account of servant leadership, providence and overcoming challenges in the face of danger.

Yantis, of Crystal Lake, is now vice president of education and outreach for American Pride Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports Sept. 11 survivors of the World Trade Center and Pentagon as they share their stories through speeches, school visits and events.

Yantis also collaborated with fellow survivors to write "9/11 Survivors' Stories: Midwest Memories," a book exploring how 10 survivors each made it through that fateful day and how the attacks changed their lives.

Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis and Police Chief Jason Arres also will provide reflections at the ceremony. In the event of rain, it take place inside the municipal center in city council chambers.

The annual remembrance pays tribute to Naval Cmdr. Dan Shanower, a Naperville native who died in the attack on the Pentagon, as well as all victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. The event provides an opportunity to reflect on and remember this pivotal moment in our country's history. All are welcome to attend.

For more information about the Exchange Club, visit exchangeclub.org.

For more information about the City of Naperville, visit naperville.il.us.