Suburbs gather to observe 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks
Communities across the suburbs gathered Wednesday to honor the 2,977 people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and to reinforce the collective promise to never forget.
In Elgin, a solemn ceremony at The Hemmens Cultural Center featured speakers, a bell ceremony honoring the lives lost and bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
Elgin Fire Chief Robb Cagann said that 23 years after the terrorist attacks, the memory of the horrific sights and sounds may have softened, but the legacy remains.
“We carry with us the stories of both tragedy and triumph that have become part of our national consciousness,” he said. “Our nation has stood together, transforming grief into strength and adversity into resilience.”
In Des Plaines, residents, city officials and first responders gathered outside city hall for a ceremony that featured a flag raising, honor guard, remarks from city leaders, a bell ringing and more.
“It was a day that changed our nation,” said Deputy Fire Chief Sam Foster. “Together, we pay tribute to the lives lost on that fateful day, to the heroes and victims that sacrificed everything 23 years ago.”
Elmhurst unveiled a new memorial sculpture Wednesday that incorporates a rail from the twin towers. The piece is by local sculptor Jason Peot.
“The sculpture is not only a memorial, but it's a work of art that will serve this community for years to come,” Mayor Scott Levin said.
Observances also took place in Arlington Heights, Aurora, Bartlett, Carpentersville, Evanston, Gilberts, Glendale Heights, Hoffman Estates, Lake Barrington, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brook, Palatine, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Streamwood, Villa Park, Warrenville, Wauconda and Wheaton.
Both Elgin Mayor David Kaptain and Elgin American Legion Post 57 Cmdr. Mark Smith invoked the words of Abraham Lincoln in honoring those who died trying to help others during the attacks: “The world will little note or long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”
Cagann said events like Elgin’s and others around the suburbs aren’t just about looking back at tragedy.
“They represent the enduring values that emerged from that dark day,” Cagann said. “Humanity, perseverance, selflessness, love, dedication and honor.”
Daily Herald staff photographers Brian Hill and Joe Lewnard contributed to this story.