Portage Reflects on Unity During 9/11 Anniversary Ceremony

On Friday morning, Portage commemorated the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a remembrance ceremony. Mayor Austin Bonta and Assistant Police Chief Ted Uzelac emphasized the importance of remembering September 12, 2001, as well.

“I hope we always keep alive in our memory not only September 11 but also the spirit of September 12,” Bonta stated.

During the event, a high school student asked Bonta whether the unity felt in Portage following an August storm resembled the national mood after the attacks on New York’s Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and United 93 in Pennsylvania. Bonta affirmed that it did and spoke about the widespread compassion that followed the attacks.

Bonta explained that despite initial unity, everyday disagreements gradually returned. He stressed the need to inform younger generations about the attacks and the response to ensure those memories stay alive. Uzelac reminded attendees that disagreement need not lead to hatred.

“If we only remember the loss, we miss the deeper truth of that day,” Uzelac said.

He highlighted the resilience and service shown by Americans on 9/11. Firefighters, police officers, office workers, flight attendants, and passengers made courageous decisions, often at great personal cost. Ordinary citizens contributed by becoming first responders.

Uzelac described the unity that emerged after the attacks. Flags adorned porches, blood donations increased, and people from various backgrounds joined together at candlelight vigils.

“Unity doesn’t mean we agree on everything. It means treating each other as fellow Americans even when we see things differently,” Uzelac mentioned.

The event also featured Myers Elementary School Principal Jon Evers, who involved his students by planting pinwheels to symbolize peace, unity, remembrance, and hope. Evers recounted his own memories as a ninth-grade biology student when the first plane hit the Twin Towers.

Bonta reminisced about attending Mass as a fifth grader on 9/11, while Uzelac recalled his wife’s question about his deployment in the reserves, which led him to Mosul, Iraq, to aid in security during local elections.

Uzelac shared his experiences in Iraq, such as assisting locals to vote, and meeting retired firefighter Chuck Litzkow, who had deployed with a National Guard unit.

Fire Chief Chris Crail recollected concerns about Portage’s proximity to Chicago and the potential threats posed by high-rise architecture. Retired Fire Chief Randy Wilkening remembered the quietness that enveloped the city and the long lines at gas stations.

Overall, the ceremony underscored the enduring impact of 9/11 on Portage and the United States.