Local programs help honor those killed in Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks
On Tuesday, towns around the Fox Valley area will host Patriot Day programs in honor of Sept. 11, 2001.
Elgin
Sixth annual Patriot Day program: An Elgin city-wide program to recognize those who were a part of Sept. 11, 2001 as well as reflect on how the world has changed since this tragic date will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.
Sponsored by Elgin AMVets Post 202, this sixth annual program will feature keynote speaker Rosamaria Martinez. An Elgin native, she is the first Hispanic female to hold the position of Commander of Elgin American Legion Post No. 57. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army and spent time in Egypt, Germany, and South Korea.
Other participants include Elgin Mayor Ed Schock, Police Chief Lisa Womack, and a Color Guard from the Elgin Police Department. A firing squad by AMVets Post 202 will conclude the event. The 45-minute program includes an invocation and benediction by the Rev. Mona Walker of the First United Methodist Church of Elgin and the singing of "God Bless America" by Rise Jones. Elgin historian and teacher Jerry Turnquist serves as the master of ceremonies. For details, call Robert Whiteleather at (847) 608-1481.
Ceremony at the Peace Pole: Elgin Community College will host a memorial in honor of the lives lost with a ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Peace Pole located on Varrack Court outside the Renner Learning Resources Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Symbolizing hope and peace on Earth, peace poles are hand crafted monuments erected the world over as an international symbol of peace. For information about student life at ECC, go to www.elgin.edu/studentlife.
South Elgin
Patriot Day commemoration: The South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District and the village of South Elgin invites area residents to participate in the annual Patriot Day commemoration.
Patriot Day commemorates the spirit of America by recognizing those Americans who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks while providing motivational messages to local children. This annual event has been targeted toward school children who may serve as the country's future leaders. The theme of this year's celebration is "Free to Be You and Me" highlighting the freedoms that living in the U.S. brings. This year's event will be from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at the South Elgin High School auditorium, 760 E. Main St.
The keynote address will be delivered by Jon Tuin, Kane County School Administrator of the Year and principal at Willard Elementary School in South Elgin. He will speak on "Citizenship and Choices." Other brief addresses will be made by Village Manager Larry Jones, Police Chief Chris Merritt and Fire Chief Joe Cluchey.
Musical performances will be made by the South Elgin High School Orchestra and Choir, and Kenyon Woods Middle School Bands. More than 500 students and attendees are expected at this year's event. In conjunction with this event, elementary school students participated in an essay writing contest where grade-school authors answer how America provides them with the opportunity of "Free to Be Me" and provides the reader with examples of why this freedom is important The selected winners will be asked to read their essays at this event and will win Pizza Cucina gift certificates. For information, call South Elgin Fire Chief Joe Cluchey at (847) 741-2141.
Union
Remembering: On Tuesday, the McHenry County Historical Society will open its award-winning museum at 6422 Main St. in Union free to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Tables set up in the museum will hold binders filled with recollection sheets filled out in past years on the tragic and deadly attacks perpetrated on that historic date. Those wishing to add recollections and/or personal comments will be able to do so. For details, call (815) 923-2267 or visit www.mchsonline.org.