Winnetka Residents Gather to Remember 9/11

North Shore residents gathered Tues. afternoon to commemorate and remember the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The attendees helped to plant 2, 977 flags on the Village Green to commemorate each of the people killed in the attacks. People from all walks of life gathered in Winnetka, from Police and Fire Department staffs to young children to veterans.

The tradition was started in 2008 by high school student Genevieve Nielsen, and has continued since.

But with temperatures hitting the mid-90s, some wondered if there would even be a flag planting ceremony at all this year.

"People asked me, with the heat, if there would be an event," explained Jessica Tucker, former Winnetka Village President. "This is not a fair-weather event. This is an all weather memorial that goes up rain or shine."

For those in attendance, the flag planting is a meaningful way to remember the victims on Sept. 11.

"I think [this event] helps people learn the importance of remembering," said Jim Marran of Winnetka, who said that he lost a number of people he knew in the terrorist attacks, including National Geographic Education Program Director Joe Ferguson. "We need to preserve and encourage national memory, and this kind of event is the way to do it. There's no fireworks, no big parade...just kids working together."

The flags will remain in the Village Green until dusk on Sept. 11.