Oak Lawn Remembers: 25 Years Later, We Still Never Forget

Oak Lawn Pauses to Remember — 25 Years Later, We Still Never Forget

Oak Lawn — A large crowd gathered in Oak Lawn today to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 — a day that forever changed America.

Under the solemn theme “Never Forget,” residents, community leaders, police officers, firefighters, families and first responders came together to remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives and the countless others whose lives were forever changed.

The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, followed by prayer and reflections from local leaders and first responders.

Music brought a particularly moving element to the morning.

The District 123 Sward School Choir performed “Sing,” their young voices offering a poignant reminder that the responsibility of remembering September 11 now belongs to a new generation.

The Oak Lawn Community High School Choir followed with “My Country ’Tis of Thee” and later performed “America the Beautiful.” The familiar songs carried special meaning as the crowd gathered to honor those who were lost and those who answered the call to serve.

Oak Lawn Police Chief Vittorio gave a brief message, adding his voice to the community's remembrance and recognition of the sacrifices made by first responders and others in the aftermath of September 11.

The program was followed by guest speaker retired Chicago Fire Department District Chief Glen Lyman, whose connection to the events of September 11 carries a deeply personal significance.

For those who remember, the images of that terrible morning remain difficult to forget — the smoke rising over New York, the confusion and fear, and the heartbreaking realization that thousands of innocent lives had been lost.

Twenty-five years have now passed.

For a younger generation, September 11 is history. But gatherings like today's ensure it remains living history — carried through stories, music, ceremonies and the memories of those who experienced it.

The large crowd in Oak Lawn stood together today not only to remember the victims, but also to honor the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military personnel and ordinary citizens who demonstrated extraordinary courage.

The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer, the tolling of the bell and the retirement of the colors — quiet traditions that carried enormous meaning.

As the final notes of “America the Beautiful” faded and the bell tolled, the message at the heart of the ceremony was clear:

Twenty-five years later, Oak Lawn remembers.

We honor those we lost.
We honor those who served.
And we will never forget.