Oak Lawn pays Tribute to 9/11

OAK LAWN, IL — The 9/11 Memorial Tribute began at 9:11am with the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 Posting the Colors followed by Mayor Terry Vorderer welcoming a large crowd of Oak Lawn Residents. In addition to residents, Village Clerk - Claire Henning, Past Village Clerk - Jane Quinlan, Trustees Ralph Soch, Bud Stalker and Paul Mallo were also in attendance.

Pastor Daniel Stidham from Calvary Church of Oak Lawn lead us in the Invocation followed by the Oak Lawn Community High School Choir led by Samantha Elliott performed the National Anthem.

Next in the program was a beautiful Poetry Reading by Sara Abdelrahman titled "Emerging From the Storm". Sara is a student at Oak Lawn - Hometown Middle School and is also a National Junior Honor Society Member.

A historical reflection was delivered by Mayor Vorderer on how the four 22 foot beams of steel from the North Tower made its way to Oak Lawn for our 9-11 Memorial at Patriot Station. This was followed by remarks from guest speakers Major Daniel Johnson (US Army), Oak Lawn Fire Chief Zackary Riddle (Lieutenant Colonel in US Army Reserve) and Post Commander Bryant Reed.

Towards the end of the Patriot Day Memorial, was a beautiful somber performance titled "Muusika" from the Oak Lawn Community High School Choir.

The 9/11 Ceremony concluded with the tolling of the fire engine bell - 5 times with 4 repetitions and Taps being played by a member of Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 and the Retirement of Colors.

To see the entire Oak Lawn 9/11 Memorial, please visit Oak Lawn Arts and Events Commission Facebook Page - Oak Lawn 9/11 Memorial Service Video.

Learn more about Oak Lawn's world-class 9/11 sculpture was created by renowned bronze artist Erik Blome.

See an interview of Fire Chief Riddle talking about how Oak Lawn is Preparing to Commemorate this Somber 20th Anniversary.