9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony Planned in Des Plaines

Members of the Des Plaines Fire and Police Departments, American Legion Post #36, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2992 will host a 9/11 Memorial Dedication and “Patriot Day” Ceremony, 8 AM, Sunday, September 11, 2011, outside the Des Plaines Civic Center, between the City Hall Building and Police Department, 1420 Miner Street.  This ceremony commemorates the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and will feature the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial, highlighted by a 114-pound beam that was salvaged from the remnants of the World Trade Center (WTC).

Deputy Fire Chief Ron Eilken, Des Plaines Police Commander Nicholas Treantafeles, VFW Post Commander William Fiegel, and Media Specialist William Soderberg are coordinating the anniversary event, overseen by City Manager (acting) Jason Slowinski, Fire Chief Alan Wax and Police Chief James Prandini. The Des Plaines community has played an active part in the development of this year’s 9/11 anniversary event.  Both the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2992 and the American Legion Post

#36 recently presented checks to help pay for the mounting of the beam onto a granite slab, donated by Peter Troost Monument Company (along with engraving).  Lurvey’s Landscape & Design, Rebel’s Trophies, Renew Autobody, the City’s Public Works Department, and Firefighter /Paramedic Sam Foster (who welded the beam) also contributed.  In addition, other members of the Fire Department and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency donated funds to the project.  

 Over two years ago, the Fire Department requested a piece of the WTC from the Port Authority of New York. The Port Authority recently sent Des Plaines Mayor Martin J. Moylan a letter acknowledging the City’s “efforts to preserve the memory of the brave and innocent victims who lost their lives on September 11, 2011… We are confident that the memorials will be an inspiration to all who visit them and a tribute to all whose lives were lost.”  The artifact arrived in Des Plaines in April, 2011, at which time officials began to prepare for the official unveiling of a lasting display at the 9/11 Memorial Dedication and “Patriot Day” Ceremony.  

Deputy Chief Ron Eilken will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the ceremony, which is expected to last a half hour.  The program will include the Police and Fire Departments’ Honor Guards and VFW and American Legion Color Guards, along with commentary by Mayor Martin J. Moylan and a keynote address by U.S. Navy Commander Lee Donaldson.  Commander Donaldson is the Executive Officer of the Navy Recruiting District based at Great Lakes.  His career includes two deployments to the Middle East in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom,  in addition to other deployments to the Mediterranean, Baltic Sea and Pacific Fleet.  He also served within the Pentagon.    

Father Charlie Schlax, a representative from the Des Plaines Ministerial Association, will provide an invocation and closing.  Police and Fire Department representatives, as well as veterans, will conduct a presentation of wreaths.   Vocalist Donna Grady will sing the National Anthem and members of “Bugles Across America,” will play “Taps.”  The Glengael Pipe band will also perform.   

The public is encouraged to attend.  Parking will be available in the Metropolitan Square Garage.  The ceremony will pay homage to all those who lost their lives due to acts of terrorism on September 11, 2001, to their families and friends, and to those who worked during the recovery and aftermath. 

According to Deputy Chief Ron Eilken, “September 11^th has been officially designated as ‘Patriot Day’ in memory of those who lost their lives.  On this day each year, the President directs that the flag of the United States be flown at half staff and displayed from individual homes, the White House, and on all U.S. Government buildings and establishments, at home and abroad.  Americans are asked to observe a moment of silence beginning at 08:46 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, marking the first plane crash on September 11^th.  

We will never forget the individuals who died that day andthe families shattered by the tragic events. Our City feels that it is extremely important to continue the tradition of preserving the events and memories of this day and to pay homage to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”