NAPERVILLE, Ill. – A Sept. 11 survivor who escaped the World Trade Center will share her story during this year’s remembrance ceremony in Naperville, city officials announced.
According to the City of Naperville, the event will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Sept. 11 Memorial, located behind the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. The Naperville Municipal Band will begin playing at 5:45 p.m. In case of rain, the ceremony will move indoors to the Municipal Center’s City Council Chambers.
This year’s speaker, Laura Murphy, worked in the North Tower and descended 59 floors to escape after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building. Now a retired project manager and Woodridge resident, Murphy frequently speaks publicly about her experiences that day. Mayor Scott A. Wehrli, Police Chief Jason Arres, and Deputy Fire Chief Philip Giannattasio will also deliver remarks.
The ceremony also honors Cmdr. Dan Shanower, a Naperville native and U.S. Navy officer who died in the Pentagon attack. The city’s memorial, dedicated in 2003, was one of the first Sept. 11 memorials established in the nation.
Officials said the remembrance provides an opportunity for community members to reflect on the terrorist attacks’ impact, honor the victims and first responders, and educate younger generations about the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
The ceremony marks the 24th anniversary of the attacks and the 22nd anniversary of the Shanower Memorial. The public is invited to attend.
For more information, visit napervilleresponds.org or naperville.il.us.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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