The arrival of September this year brings a reminder that 15 years have passed since the 9/11 terrorist attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people.
Although Lincolnwood is hundreds of miles away from Manhattan, the community keeps New York City in mind every year on the 9/11 anniversary by hosting a public ceremony to honor the victims and first responders who died as a result of the terrorist attacks.
More Top Picks Best Exersaucers For Babies
Keeping in line with a tradition that started in 2002, the village will start the 9/11 ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12 outside at the promenade area, 6900 N. Lincoln Ave., located between village hall and the police and fire departments, according to village officials.
The event is open to the public. Village officials only opened it to the public in 2011 after the police and fire departments held a private memorial every year since 2002, according to information from Lincolnwood.
The ceremony now has become a tradition attended each year by numerous residents who join Lincolnwood Mayor Jerry Turry, Police Chief Bob LaMantia and Fire Chief Mike Hansen, as well as village trustees and staff from various village departments.
An honor guard from American Legion Post 1226 will lead a display of the American flag. Lincolnwood School District 74 students also are scheduled to read poems to mark the anniversary.
The memorial will proceed as scheduled, rain or shine. Last year, wet weather pushed the ceremony indoors to the Lincolnwood Community Center, where Mayor Turry and members of the police and fire departments led guests through a moment of silence and a bell-ringing ceremony in honor of the victims of 9/11.
This year’s memorial will follow the same itinerary as past years, village officials said.
Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.