On the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Exchange Club of Naperville will be host to the September 11 remembrance at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial outside of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville.
This event pays tribute to Naval Cmdr. Dan Shanower, a Naperville native who died in the attack on the Pentagon, as well as all victims of the September 11 attacks. The event provides an opportunity to reflect on and remember this pivotal moment in our country’s history, with the ceremony will begin at 8:46 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 to coincide with the moment in Eastern time when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Pre-event music will begin at 8:30 a.m. courtesy of the Naperville Municipal Band and Naperville Men’s Glee Club. In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place inside Council Chambers of the Municipal Center.
This year’s featured speakers include Naperville Interim Police Chief Jason Arres, Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis and special guest speaker José Santiago, retired Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department. Santiago joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1979, spent 39 years with the Department. Santiago served in the United States Marine Corp for over 31 years, both in active duty and the reserves, working his way through the ranks from private to commanding officer of H&S Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. Santiago served in Operations Frequent Wind (RVN) Desert Shield and Desert Storm (SWA).
In advance of the formal September 11 remembrance, twin beams of light representing the Twin Towers will shine during the evening hours of Sept. 9 and 10 courtesy of search lights used in Europe during World War II.
For more information on the Exchange Club, visit www.exchangeclub.org. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us.
—City of Naperville government