Naperville, IL 9/11 Ceremony Tonight Marks 25 Years Since Attacks

Naperville, IL – Naperville residents will gather Friday evening to remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as the nation marks the solemn 25th anniversary.

According to the City of Naperville, a remembrance ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. Friday at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial behind the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

The city said the ceremony will remember those who died in the attacks, during rescue operations and from illnesses related to 9/11.

Among those being remembered is Naperville native Cmdr. Dan Shanower, a U.S. Navy intelligence officer who was killed at the Pentagon during the attack.

His words, "Freedom isn't free," are prominently displayed at Naperville's memorial and remain part of the city's annual remembrance.

Friday's ceremony will also recognize first responders, rescue teams, flight crews and military service members, along with the families and loved ones who continue to carry the legacies of those who died.

The city is also remembering the acts of kindness and compassion that followed the attacks.

The Shanower Memorial includes several elements honoring the victims and events of 9/11, providing Naperville and surrounding DuPage and Will county communities with a permanent place for reflection.

This year's observance carries added significance as communities across Illinois and the country commemorate a quarter-century since the attacks.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. behind the Municipal Center. Residents planning to attend should allow time to arrive before the remembrance begins.