Rockford, IL – The Rockford Fire Department is inviting the public to join in a remembrance ceremony Thursday morning honoring the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
According to the department, the event will take place at 9 a.m. at the Memorial Site at West State and Chestnut streets, just west of the Winnebago County Justice Center. The observance will include the placement of a floral wreath near recovered steel beams from the World Trade Center, followed by a moment of silence. Officials said the ceremony is expected to last about 15 to 20 minutes.
The gathering is open to the public, along with elected officials, department leaders and first responders from the Rockford and Winnebago County area. The annual event serves as a tribute to the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as to honor emergency responders who served during and after the attacks.
Organizers emphasized the importance of continuing the tradition each year as a way for the community to reflect and stand in solidarity with those affected by the attacks nearly a quarter-century ago. The Winnebago County 9/11 Emergency Responders Memorial, which houses the steel beams used in the remembrance, has hosted the local ceremony for more than a decade.
The Rockford Fire Department encouraged residents to attend, noting that even a brief show of support contributes to preserving the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims and the sacrifices of first responders.
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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