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9/11 remembrance ceremony – Park Ridge Fire Department
On September 11, 2011, the Park Ridge Fire and Police Departments held a solemn memorial ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks. The event took place at the picturesque Maine West High School, located at the intersection of Dempster and Potter Streets. It featured several guest speakers and the unveiling of a significant artifact—a piece of steel from the World Trade Center that had been generously donated to the city. The Chicago Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band, accompanied by the combined police and fire department honor guard, led a poignant procession as they escorted the steel beam into the ceremony grounds. The artifact, draped in an American flag and placed in the bed of Park Ridge Engine 35, was treated with the utmost respect to honor those who lost their lives that fateful day. The honor guard carefully carried the flag-draped beam to the stage, ensuring it remained visible to all attendees throughout the day.
I had the privilege of attending this moving ceremony and capturing several images for posterity. One particularly striking moment was when members of the fire and police honor guard meticulously draped the steel beam with an American flag, preparing it for its ceremonial debut. This image encapsulates the reverence and solemnity of the occasion.
Another unforgettable scene unfolded as the Chicago Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band led a somber processional down Potter Road, setting the tone for the day’s events. Following closely behind were the combined police and fire honor guards, a squad car, and an engine serving as a makeshift caisson, bearing the weight of history and memory. The engine, adorned with the flag-draped steel, commanded attention as it approached the gathering of dignitaries and spectators.
Throughout the ceremony, the honor guard maintained a vigilant presence, standing watch over the steel beam to allow visitors ample time to pay their respects. A highlight of the event was the 21-gun salute performed by the Park Ridge VFW color guard, a powerful tribute to fallen heroes. This was followed by a poignant bell-ringing ceremony to honor the brave first responders who perished on 9/11. A local musician added to the emotional depth of the ceremony by performing "Taps," bringing tears to many eyes.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the honor guard executed a graceful folding of the flag that had covered the artifact, symbolizing closure and remembrance. These images and moments will linger in my mind, serving as a testament to the resilience and unity of our community.
For more photos from this unforgettable day, you can visit the link provided. Each photograph tells a story, capturing the essence of grief, gratitude, and hope that defined the ceremony.