Congressman and Winnetkans Pay Tribute to 9/11 Fallen

In every corner of the U.S., Americans experienced the tragedy of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, in uniquely personal ways.

In horror, people watched the planes strike the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., on TV, while their morning coffee went cold. In disbelief, motorists drove to work as the news broke over the airwaves. For those in New York City, who saw, felt and inhaled the devastation, their stories continued to affect the country to this day.

"The losses that scarred us then will be with us forever," said U.S. Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL), standing atop Winnetka's World War II Memorial on Sunday. "I'm proud to see so many people here that will honor [the victims of the attacks]."

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After planting 3,000 flags Saturday to honor those that lost their lives in the terrorist attacks that involved hijacked jetliners, Winnetka residents attended the 10th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony on the Village Green.

Speeches from Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky, Police Chief Patrick Kreis, Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, a resident and former teacher, and Mitch Slotnick, president of Interfaith Council, permeated the solemn afternoon air, as a Boy Scout troop hoisted flags and Girl Scouts soon laid a commemorative wreath.

The overwhelming message of each speaker was one of goodwill, sympathy and love for all Americans.

The heroes that risked and forfeited their lives “sent a message,” Kreis said. They included hundreds of emergency response professionals who went into the burning World Trade Center, the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 that was destined for the U.S. capital but crashed in Pennsylvania, and ordinary people who lent a hand to anyone in need.

“They sent a message of hope to us,” he added. “As we reflect this day, I would ask us to remember that love was the message.”

As the ceremony closed, residents sang “Amazing Grace” and Village President Jessica Tucker read a memorial proclamation in observance of the horrific attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people a decade ago.

“On behalf of the village council,” Tucker read, “[I] extend to the families of all of the victims of the atrocity...our deepest condolences. We will not forget them or the cost of freedom.”