Huntley First Responders and the Huntley American Legion Post 673 are preparing an event on Sept. 11 to mark the 25th anniversary of the terrorists’ attacks on 9/11, 2001.
The Huntley Fire Protection District (HFPD), Huntley Police Department and the Huntley American Legion Post 673 will combine to host an event at 10 a.m., at the Veterans Monument at Huntley’s Town Square. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be at HFPD Station No.1, located at 11118 Main Street, at the apparatus floor.
“We’re excited for the event,” HFPD Fire Chief Dan Wagner said. “It is of special meaning this year, due to the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and the United States’ 250th anniversary and Huntley’s 175th anniversary.”
According to a HFPD press release, the event will begin with lowering of the flags by Honor Guards of the fire and police departments and the legion. Taps will be played by active Army Reserve Captain Amy Feltis. Huntley Police Chief Linda Hooten will talk about the events of 9/11. Wagner will talk about the effects of 911 on the fire service and the history and tradition of the fire bell with tolling.
There will be a moment of silence for victims of 9/11.
Father Jerome Koutnik of St. Mary’s Catholic Church will give a prayer followed by “Amazing Grace” played on the bagpipes by Lt. Stephen Young of the HFPD.
Wagner will conclude the event with closing remarks.
Chief remembers
Wagner was working at the Elgin Fire Department when the World Trade Centers were hit by two hijacked airplanes.
“I remember going to New York City to ground zero, then assisting going to Fire Department of New York firefighters’ funerals because they were having three or four a day and they did not have enough men,” Wagner said at a recent open house.
One of the department’s lieutenants, Steve Young, had just joined the HFPD.
“It was a couple of months after 9/11,” Young said.
