We remember: How the suburbs will honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11

It’s been 25 years since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but that doesn’t mean we forget. Here’s how communities across the suburbs will observe this solemn anniversary.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Healing Fields: Wednesday to Sunday, Sept. 9-13. Tribute of patriotism and remembrance, commemorating both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Sponsored by American Legion Post 57, the Healing Fields will be presented at four locations, each offering a display of American flags honoring the lives lost, the heroes who rose in courage, and the enduring strength of our nation. This is the third year Oak Brook will host the Healing Field, having done so for both the 15th and 20th anniversaries of the Sept. 11 attacks. The Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook Road, is featuring 2,977 flags honoring those who perished on 9/11, with an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 and closing ceremony at 2 p.m. Sept. 13. A special 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony features a wreath placement at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 with Bugles Across America and guest speakers with personal connections to 9/11. The Sept. 13 Main Event will feature the reading of names at 11 a.m., the arrival of the “Ride to Remember” motorcycle tribute and a large American flag displayed from an Oak Brook Fire Department ladder truck at 1:30 p.m., and remarks from 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Worker and Tunnel to Towers Ambassador Tim Mottl at 2 p.m. In addition, there will be Healing Fields of 403 flags honoring first responders of 9/11 at Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St. in South Elgin; Carpentersville Fire Station, 213 Spring St.; and Grafelman Park, Fourth and Main streets in West Dundee. Free. truepatriotscare.com/2026-healing-fields/.

Sugar Grove 9/11 Presentation: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Sugar Grove Public Library, 10 S. Municipal Drive. Where were you 25 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001? Mike Fagel will mix stark personal testimony — the dust, fatigue, the equipment — with leadership insight on the massive, hazardous recovery at Ground Zero. Through photos, artifacts, health cases, and operational plans, Fagel will show the human and strategic cost of that day, urging continual readiness and respect for what was lost and learned. Register: sgpl.org.

Thursday, Sept. 10

9/11 Remembrance Worship Service: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, Immanuel Lutheran Church sanctuary, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Remember those whose lives were lost, honor the courage and sacrifice shown that day. All are welcome. facebook.com/immanuelschooleastdundee/.

Friday, Sept. 11

9/11 Memorial Ruck March: 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Naperville Safety Town, 1320 Aurora Ave, Naperville. Commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, with the Naperville Responds For Veterans 3-mile march. Registration and check-in begin at 5 a.m. It also includes a Carillon Tower climb. Ruck packs are not required. Held rain or shine. $40; age 12 or under free. Register: napervilleresponds.org/events/.

Algonquin-Lake in the Hills 9/11 Memorial Service: 7:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Firefighters’ Memorial, 201 N. Harrison St., Algonquin. The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Visit alfpd.org.

Batavia Sept. 11 ceremony: 7:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Fire Station No. 1, 800 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Hosted by the Batavia Fire Department, it will feature an honor guard, speakers, a moment of silence, and the lowering of the flag. Visit facebook.com/IAFFLocal3436.

College of DuPage 9/11 ceremony: 7:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, in the mock courtroom of the college’s Homeland Security Education Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The 25th anniversary commemoration features reflections from college officials, presentation of the colors, and ceremonial procession by Suburban Law Enforcement Academy recruits, accompanied by bagpipers. There will be 2,996 American flags displayed on the center’s front lawn representing each person who died in the Sept. 11 attacks. It will be livestreamed on facebook.com/collegeofdupage. Visit cod.edu/911.

Aurora 9/11 Memorial Ceremony: 7:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Aurora Police Department flagpole, 1200 E. Indian Trail Road, Aurora. Join the Aurora police and fire honor guard ceremony honoring the lives lost and acts of heroism on Sept. 11, 2001. Visit aurora.il.us/Home.

St. Charles 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 7:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, outside at the fire department memorial monument, 2 E. Main St. The 25th annual ceremony will include remarks from St. Charles Fire Chief Jeremy Mauthe, the posting of the Fire Department Memorial Flag, placement of a memorial wreath, and a moment of silence. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of heavy rain, it will be relocated to Fire Station No. 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave. Visit stcharlesil.gov.

Warrenville Sept. 11 Ceremony: 7:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Warrenville Fire Department, 3S472 Batavia Road. Featuring a flag raising by combined fire and police honor guard, rifle salute, bell-ringing ceremony, taps, and wreath laying. Visit facebook.com/warrenvillefire11.

Des Plaines Patriot Day tribute: 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Des Plaines Civic Center, 1420 Miner St. Des Plaines fire and police departments, elected officials, and other city staff commemorate the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks and the heroes who came to the aid of the victims. Parking is available in the Civic Center garage. Visit desplainesil.gov.

Elburn 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 8-9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District Station 1, 200 E. Route 38, Elburn. 25th anniversary event will include participation from the Elburn & Countryside Honor Guard. After the ceremony, the firehouse will be open for a community open house from 10 a.m. to noon. Visit elburnfire.gov.

Bartlett 9/11 Memorial Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Fire Station 1, 234 N. Oak Ave. The Bartlett Professional Firefighters and Police Honor Guards will post the colors and perform a bell ceremony in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Visit facebook.com/BartlettFire.

Lisle-Woodridge Sept. 11 Remembrance: 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Lisle-Woodridge Fire Station 51, 1005 School St., Lisle. Ceremony featuring national anthem, a rifle volley, the performance of taps, the traditional bell ceremony for fallen firefighters and more. Visit woodridgeil.gov.

Schaumburg Patriot Day Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the public safety memorial near Fire Station 51, 950 W. Schaumburg Road. Retired Schaumburg Fire Capt. Rick Kolomay will serve as guest speaker, and retired Schaumburg firefighters who assisted at Ground Zero following the attacks will be in attendance. Fire and police personnel, village staff and elected officials will honor the memories of the fallen with a “last alarm” bell ceremony, three-volley salute, taps and the national anthem. For questions, visit villageofschaumburg.com.

Villa Park Patriot Day Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Fire Station 81, 1440 S. Ardmore Ave. Join the Villa Park fire and police departments, Willowbrook High School Choir, and fellow patriots in paying tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and observe the 25th anniversary of National Day of Service and Remembrance. Visit invillapark.com.

9/11 Memorial Mass: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. During the Mass marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, first responders from the Inverness, Barrington, Palatine, and Hoffman Estates police and fire departments will receive blessings. Visit facebook.com/holyfamilyinverness.

Elgin Patriot Day observance: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, on the west steps of Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court. Marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the program will feature remarks from Mayor Dave Kaptain, Fire Chief Robb Cagann, Police Chief Ana Lalley, and American Legion Post 57 Commander Jason Shanahan. Honor guards from the Elgin fire and police departments will post and retire the colors during the ceremony, and vocalists from Larkin High School will perform the national anthem. A recording of the ceremony will posted on the City of Elgin YouTube channel. In the event of inclement weather, it move to the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way. For questions, dial 311 in Elgin.

Elmhurst Day of Remembrance Ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Fire Station No. 2, 601 S. York St. The city and the Elmhurst Fire Department commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Visit elmhurst.org.

Glenview 9/11 remembrance ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Fire Station 14, 2250 Patriot, Glenview. Join village officials and members of the Glenview fire, police and 911 dispatch departments for the observance. Visit glenview.il.us.

Hanover Park 9/11 Ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Fire Station 15, 6850 Barrington Road. The 25th annual ceremony will honor the lives that were lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the sacrifices made that day. Visit hpil.org.

Highland Park Sept. 11 observance: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at at Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia Festival, 201 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park. The Highland Park Fire Department will lead the last alarm bell ceremony with remarks by Mayor Nancy Rotering, Police Chief Lou Jogmen, Fire Chief Joe Schrage, and Deputy Fire Chief Bill Brennan, who provided mutual aid in New York City. Tom Finnegan of the Shannon Rovers Pipe Band will perform. Visit cityhpil.com.

Lombard 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Public Safety Plaza, outside the village hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave. The village also hosts the “We Remember” blood drive on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the donor bus parked on the lower-level entrance near Von Maur at Yorktown Center, and 1:30 to 7 p.m. at First Church of Lombard, 220 S. Main St. To schedule an appointment, visit versiti.org/lL or email Carol Bauer at bauerc@villageoflombard.org. Visit villageoflombard.org/weremember.

Mount Prospect 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, on the Centennial Green outside village hall, 50 S. Emerson St. Join the Mount Prospect fire and police departments as they gather to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Visit mountprospect.org.

Palatine Patriot Day Ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Palatine Firefighters Memorial, North Brockway and West Slade. Members of the Palatine fire and police departments will lower the flag, place a wreath at the memorial, and perform a ceremonial ringing of the bell to signify a firefighter’s last call of duty. Visit palatine.il.us.

Prospect Heights 9/11 Memorial Ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, in the Anne Sullivan Elementary School south parking lot, 701. N Schoenbeck Road. Join the community in honoring the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Members of the Prospect Heights Fire Department, honor guard, city officials, along with students and staff from Anne Sullivan and MacArthur schools will be in attendance. Visit prospect-heights.il.us.

West Chicago 9/11 ceremony: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Fire Station 6, 200 Fremont St. West Chicago Fire Protection District firefighters and honor guard members assemble at 8:45 a.m. Visit facebook.com/wegofpd.

Wauconda 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the 9/11 Memorial, East Liberty and South Main streets, Wauconda. The village and the Wauconda Fire Protection District mark the 25th anniversary with a presentation of colors, an invocation, presentation of wreaths, comments by Wauconda Fire Protection District Chief Curt Hanselman, and a moment of silence. Note: Main Street will be closed between Route 176 and the south entrance to the police department beginning at 7:30 a.m. Limited parking will be available in the police department lot. Those who are able to walk are encouraged to park on Main Street, Maple Avenue or in the municipal parking lot at the corner of West Mill Street and Maple Avenue. Visit wauconda-il.gov.

Huntley 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Huntley Town Square on Coral Street, Huntley. The Huntley Fire Protection District is marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, with remarks from community leaders, traditional observances, and a moment of silence. In the event of rain, it will move to Station 1, 11118 Main St. Visit facebook.com/huntleyfpd.

Libertyville Remembering 9/11 Memorial Ceremony: 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Cook Park, 118 W. Cook Ave., Libertyville. The 25th annual ceremony features Mayor Donna Johnson providing opening remarks, followed by the keynote given by retired U.S. Navy Captain Anthony P. Barnes. Also, bell ceremony, honor guard rifle salute, and taps. Visit libertyville.com.

Pingree Grove 9/11 Memorial Ceremony: 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Station 3, 1600 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Pingree Grove & Countryside Fire District commemorates Sept. 11, 2001, with the posting of colors, bell-ringing ceremony, speech, and honor guard. Visit pgfpd.com.

Westmont Patriot Day Ceremony: 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the fire/police facility, 500 N. Cass Ave. Visit westmont.illinois.gov.

Wheaton Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Park band shell, 225 N. Karlskoga Ave. Join the city and Wheaton Park District in paying tribute to those lost in the terrorist attacks 25 years ago and the ensuing military conflicts, and honoring fire and police personnel. Ceremony participants will include Wheaton Mayor Philip Suess, members of the Wheaton police and fire departments and honor guard, local musicians, and community leaders. Visit wheaton.il.us.

Harper College 9/11 ceremony: 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Wojcik Conference Center Amphitheater (Building W), 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Speakers will include Itasca Fire Protection Chief John “Jack” Schneidwind, a fourth-generation firefighter who volunteered at Ground Zero in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City; and Tony Butler, Harper’s director of risk management, who will share the story of Rick Rescorla, a Sept. 11 hero who served as vice president of security for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center and became known for helping evacuate thousands of people. Rescorla was a close friend of Butler’s uncle. Parking available in lot 14. Visit events.harpercollege.edu.

Hoffman Estates Patriot Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road. The village’s Veterans Memorial Commission is hosting a memorial ceremony with the theme “What Does it Mean to Never Forget?” with reflections from Hoffman Estates Fire Lt. Justin Schuenke, Hoffman Estates Police Sgt. Bryant Savage and U.S. Army veteran Jackson Lanners. The Salvation Army Band Ensemble, North & Central Illinois Division will perform. Visit hoffmanestates.org.

Naperville 9/11 Memorial event: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial behind the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Hosted by the city and Naperville Responds for Veterans. This year’s speaker is Vietnam veteran Charles Lynn Lowder, co-founder and CEO of the Veteran Business Project. Naperville Municipal Band will begin playing music at 4:30 p.m. In case of rain, it will be held in city council chambers. Visit naperville.il.us.

Crystal Lake Day of Remembrance: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Union Cemetery, 150 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake. Hosted by the city and American Legion Post 171, the ceremony will feature bagpipe music, three-volley salute, Marine Corps Color Guard, and bells rung in honor of those individuals and groups impacted by Sept. 11, 2001. Special floodlights will be set up in the city parking lot at Woodstock Street and Dole Avenue with two beams of light shining into the sky after 7:30 p.m. until midnight. Football programs at Prairie Ridge and Central high schools will pause for a minute of reflection during the Friday night games. Attendees will be asked to face the floodlights for a moment of silence. Visit facebook.com/AmericanLegionCrystalLake or downtowncl.org.

Resilience Day Celebration: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Wood Dale Special Events Park, 350 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale. This special event honors two historic milestones: the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and the 250th birthday of the United States. It will feature a flag ceremony and a military vehicle display. Afterward, join in a rescheduled “Sounds of Summer” concert featuring the Funky Monks, a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band. Visit wooddale.com.

Lindenhurst Remembers Sept. 11: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. Hosted by the Lindenhurst Remembers Committee and the village, it begins with “Prayers of Peace” and musical selections at the Village Square Park gazebo, North Wellwood and East Hoffman avenues. At 6:30 p.m., join “A Walk To Remember” from the park heading north on North Wellwood Avenue and turning east on Dover Street to the 9/11 Memorial Garden, Irmisch Avenue and Byrd Street. The evening concludes at 7 p.m. with a candlelight memorial service. Visit lindenhurstil.org.

Oak Brook 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Healing Fields at Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook Road. The ceremony will feature the posting of the colors by the DuPage County Honor Guard, 9/11 Memorial Wreath Placement, and Bugles Across America. Also, guest speakers with personal connections to Sept. 11, 2001: Craig Donnelly, nephew of FDNY Lt. Kevin W. Donnelly of Ladder Company 3; Sue Mladenik, wife of Flight 11 passenger; and Paul Swenson, president of Colonial Flag and founder of the Healing Field Flag Memorial Program. truepatriotscare.com.

Hampshire Sept. 11 ceremony: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Fire Station 1, 202 Washington Ave., Hampshire. It will begin with a silent parade through town followed by a 7 p.m. ceremony at the station. Visit facebook.com/HampshireFire.

​Streamwood 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, Streamwood Veterans Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road. The Veterans Memorial Commission, with the Streamwood police and fire departments, has a remembrance planned for the civilians, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who perished in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. Visit streamwood.org.

Glen Ellyn 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 7:07 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Glen Ellyn Fire Station 61, at Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company will hold a sunset ceremony honoring the lives of those impacted by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Visit facebook.com/VillageofGlenEllyn.

Glendale Heights Patriot Day Ceremony: 7:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. A silent parade of emergency vehicles starts at approximately 7:15 p.m. at Reskin Elementary School, 1555 Ardmore Ave., and travels a short distance westbound on Fullerton Avenue to the village hall, 300 Civic Center Plaza. A brief remembrance ceremony will be held at the village hall. Residents are encouraged to display American flags to honor the victims and thank emergency personnel. Additional flags will be placed along the parade route, and 2,977 flags will be displayed at village hall in tribute. Visit glendaleheights.org.

Carpentersville 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the new Riverfront Park, 155 S. Washington St., Carpentersville. As night falls, two beams of light will rise into the sky as a tribute. Throughout the evening, attendees can walk the paths of Riverfront Park, lined with full-size American flags and images from Sept. 11. The ceremony includes guest speakers, moments of reflection and candles for attendees. Visit facebook.com/villageofcarpentersvillepublicsafety.

Saturday, Sept. 12

Veterans Path to Hope’s 10th annual Lake County Ruck March: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Nippersink Forest Preserve Picnic Shelter C, 900 W. Belvidere Road, Round Lake. Participants can walk, run, swim, or bike, with or without a 22 lb. ruck sack, either on or off-site. All funds raised will benefit Lake County Veteran and Family Services, now called The Landing Zone of Veterans Path to Hope, which provides support to address underlying causes of veteran suicide. Registration starts at 8 a.m. $40 or $17 for 17 or under. Register: veteranspathtohope.org.

9/11 Heroes Run 5K: 9:11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Community Park, 8 Bridges Drive, South Barrington. Join runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of that day and those who stepped up to serve in the wars that followed. $26-$51. Register: runsignup.com.

America Strong Family Fest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 985 Galligan Road, Gilberts. Featuring live music, patriotic performances, food and more. Kids Zone with games, crafts and activities. Classic car show featuring all makes and models. Connect with first responders, local organizations, and veterans groups. Free. Visit americastrongfamilyfest.com.

Sunday, Sept. 13

Woodstock Harley 9/11 Ride to Remember: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, starting at Woodstock Harley Davidson, 2235 S. Eastwood Drive and heading to Oak Brook Polo grounds, 700 Oak Brook Road. A full escorted police ride will travel to the home of the Healing Field tribute. Proceeds benefit first responder charities. $50. Register: rollingthunderil2.org.

First Responder Sunday: 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 13, at Quentin Road Baptist Church, 60 Quentin Road, Lake Zurich. A free barbecue lunch honoring local first responders. It will open with a police K-9 demonstration, followed by a complimentary lunch featuring Carolina-style barbecue, including overnight oak-smoked ribs, pulled pork, turkey and beef, along with homemade sides and desserts. Children can enjoy giant inflatables. Visit quentinroad.org/event/first-responders-sunday/.