Naperville 9/11 ceremony emphasizes 'freedom isn't free'
The world has changed dramatically in the 15 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but Tom Shanower's memories of his younger brother, Cmdr. Dan Shanower, will forever be frozen in time.
Naperville native Dan Shanower, a Naval intelligence officer, was 40 years old when American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked and crashed into his Pentagon post. He was one of nearly 3,000 people who perished that day in attacks in Washington, D.C., New York City and Pennsylvania.
During Naperville's annual Sept. 11 ceremony Sunday, Tom Shanower recalled his brother's big dreams, determination, motivation and sense of adventure. That's how he'll always be remembered, he said.
"For Dan and for all the victims, what we mourn is the lost potential and our opportunity to see what they might've become," Tom Shanower said.
Hundreds of visitors, including Shanower's family, gathered along the Riverwalk near the Cmdr. Dan Shanower/Sept. 11 memorial to honor the lives lost 15 years ago.
Other observances were held across the suburbs in towns such as Elgin, Oak Brook, Lombard, Palatine, Gurnee and Hoffman Estates.
The Naperville observance included speeches from several city leaders, a bell ceremony, the laying of a wreath and live music from the Naperville Municipal Band. A combined color guard presented the colors, and Naperville firefighters displayed the American flag at half staff.
While emphasizing the importance of memorializing the anniversary of Sept. 11, Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico quoted a line once spoken by Dan Shanower: "Freedom isn't free."
"We need to continue to take those words to heart," Chirico said. "We remain humbled and honored by the sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001, and we vow to never forget the events of that fateful day."
Tom Shanower said the ceremony also serves as a time to thank the first responders and members of the military who risk their lives for the community's safety and freedom.
Though most adults can remember the exact moment they heard the news of the Sept. 11 attacks, Chirico said it is now their responsibility to teach younger generations about the tragedy.
Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis said there is not a single resident who was not affected by the attacks. Those who were killed left behind family members and loved ones who still grieve, he said, and many survivors suffer from physical and mental health disorders.
"For all of those who perished and for all of those who are still with us, we must always remember to pay tribute to them," he said. "They make up a new fabric of our country, and they must never be left behind or forgotten."