Fox Valley ceremonies mark anniversary of 9/11
Elgin
• In partnership with the Elgin American Legion, the city of Elgin will host a 9/11 ceremony at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, in the City Hall Plaza behind the Robert Gilliam Municipal Complex, 150 Dexter Court. All are invited to attend this service to remember those in public service who lost their lives 15 years ago and to honor those who continue to serve today. For information, contact Barb Keselica, special events and community engagement manager, at (847) 531-7056 or keselica_b@cityofelgin.org.
• On Sunday, Sept. 11, Northwest Bible Baptist Church in Elgin is hosting a "First Responders Appreciation Day" as part of a special 10:45 a.m. service, to commemorate the 15th year anniversary of 9/11. Last fall, the church celebrated a "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" honoring police officers and their families who attended from 17 different jurisdictions. The response was so positive from that event that the church decided to include firefighters and emergency medical services personnel and their families with those in law enforcement in this year's special commemoration. Invitations to the event have been extended to all first-responder stations in 26 northwestern suburban communities, along with those of the Illinois State Police and Kane County sheriff's department, when special recognition and gifts will be given to them. The church will also host a special lunch for these first responders and their families afterward, when they will be honored in other ways. The church is at 9N889 Nesler Road, on the far west side of Elgin. The public is invited to join the folks of Northwest in honoring these first responders and their families at this special service. Call the church at (847) 695-6222, ext. 2011, or visit nwbbc.com.
Huntley
• Stop by the Sept. 11 American Flag Display and Memorial Friday, Sept. 9, to Sunday, Sept. 11, in the Fountain View Pavilion, 12880 Del Webb Blvd. in Huntley. Flags will be placed in memory of each of the 2,976 victims who died on Sept. 11, 2001. Museum visiting hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The flags will be placed at 9 a.m. Friday. Taps will be played by members of the Huntley American Legion Post 673 at dusk around 7:10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
On Sunday, the memorial museum will open at 10:30 a.m. in the Drendel Ballroom. It will feature memorabilia and a short film.
The Sept. 11 memorial program will begin at 1 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or other seating.
The Sun City Marines will present the colors, followed by a moment of silence. There will be stories, songs and readings, as well as bagpipes, a 21-gun salute and Echo Taps. Visit www.sccah.com.
St. Charles
• On Sunday, Sept. 11, Hosanna! Lutheran Church, 36W925 Red Gate Road in St. Charles, will have a special service of remembrance recognizing the 15th anniversary of 9/11 attacks at 6:30 p.m. All in the community are invited for a time of prayer, reflection and remembrance. For information, call the church office at (630) 584-6434, email at Welcome@HosannaChurch.com or visit HosannaChurch.com.
West Dundee
• The True Patriots Care Foundation will host a Healing Field flag display through Sunday, Sept. 11, at Randall Oaks Park, where 2,976 American Flags will be posted in perfect rows and columns in an awe-inspiring tribute to honor those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. All area residents are invited to visit the Healing Field display and walk amid the flags. This breathtaking display will be open to the public free for five days with daily programs and informational booths. A ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the park, 1180 N. Randall Road in West Dundee. This event is raising funds through donations and flag sales for the True Patriots Care Charities. To show your support and participate in this event, you may purchase a flag that will be flown for the five days of the event. After the event ends, you may take your flag home and continue to fly it proudly. For information, visit www.healingfield.org/westdundee16/.