The Park Ridge Fire and Police Departments had a memorial ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Sunday, September 11, 2011. The event took place at Maine West High School on the corner of Dempster and Potter. There were several speakers on the agenda as well as the arrival of an artifact from the World Trade Center that was given to the city. The Chicago Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band along with the police and fire department honor guard escorted the steel beam into the ceremony. The artifact was in the bed of Park Ridge Engine 35 covered with an American flag and was treated in a manner to honor those who were killed that day. The honor guard carried the flag draped beam to the stage and kept a constant watch throughout the day to allow visitors to view the artifact.
Larry Shapiro attended the ceremony and submitted several images.
Members of the fire and police honor guard drape the steel beam with an American flag as they make final preparations before the 9/11 anniversary ceremony begins. Larry Shapiro photo
The Chicago Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band leads a somber processional down Potter Road as they escort the World Trade Center steel to the ceremony. Larry Shapiro photo
Following the pipe and drum band is the combined police/fire honor guard, a squad car, and an engine serving as a caisson with the steel beam. Larry Shapiro photo
Members of the honor guard walk on each side of the engine as it approaches the assembled visitors and dignitaries. Larry Shapiro photo
The engine carrying the steel with members of the honor guard. Larry Shapiro photo
The flag draped steel is carried to the front steps of the high school where it will rest during the ceremony. Larry Shapiro photo
The ceremony included a 21-gun salute from the Park Ridge VFW color guard. Larry Shapiro photo
A bell ringing ceremony recognized the first responders that were killed. Larry Shapiro photo
A local resident performed taps to complete the bell ringing ceremony. Larry Shapiro photo
The honor guard stands watch over the beam during ceremony. Larry Shapiro photo
As the ceremony concluded, the honor guard folded the flag which was used to cover the 9/11 artifact. Larry Shapiro photo
More images can be viewed HERE.
