Skokie and North Shore Commemorate 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

Flags were flown at half-staff in Skokie and throughout the North Shore on Friday. Residents and first responders gathered to honor those affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks, which occurred 25 years ago, leaving a lasting impact on the nation. Kathy Ryan, a Skokie resident, shared her memories with Pioneer Press at one of three remembrance ceremonies organized by the Skokie Fire Department. She recalled the day of the attacks vividly, explaining that her husband urged her to watch the news, initially thinking it was a small plane incident. Ryan quickly realized the seriousness of the situation, noting the directness of the attacks.

Ann Green, a friend of Ryan’s, expressed her sadness at the ceremony, remembering how her parents lost friends. Both Green and Ryan attend the annual ceremony at Fire Station 16 to pay respects to the victims and first responders of 9/11. This year’s commemoration felt particularly poignant, as it marked a quarter century since the attacks on New York City’s Twin Towers, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost during the attacks.

The ceremony held by the Skokie Fire Department began at 8:59 a.m., a moment marking the time Flight 175 struck the south tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Skokie’s firefighters, along with police officers, emergency service workers, and public safety staff, participated in an honor guard procession, surrounded by local residents. After a brief march and flag lowering ceremony, the first responders bowed their heads for a moment of silence.

“It’s an important day in fire service history,” said Skokie fire Chief Nicholas Eschner in an interview. He stressed the need to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the lessons learned in incident command and communication.

The tradition of the remembrance ceremony started in 2002 and has remained largely unchanged. Chief Eschner, motivated by the events of 9/11 during his adolescence, highlighted the importance of the day for the fire service.

Skokie’s police Chief Jesse Barnes highlighted how 9/11 drastically changed law enforcement. Many officers, influenced by the events, chose careers in law enforcement, focusing more on training, technology, and public safety measures.

Evanston Fire and Police Departments also held their own memorial ceremonies. State Representative Robyn Gabel, former Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty, and 9/11 survivor Mark Shore were expected attendees. Additionally, Winnetka and Northfield had their own local observances, with respective community-wide activities and a ceremony around 8:30 a.m. marking the first tower’s collapse.

“It’s so important that people not forget,” remarked Ryan, reflecting on the 25-year gap since the attacks. “In some ways, it feels like yesterday.”