Skokie Remembers 9/11 on the 25th Anniversary

Flags were displayed at half-staff in Skokie and across the North Shore as residents and first responders gathered to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Kathy Ryan, a Skokie resident, participated in one of three remembrance ceremonies organized by the Skokie Fire Department to honor those lost on that tragic day. “I’ll never forget the day it happened,” Ryan recalled, describing her experience at home before her husband alerted her to the unfolding events.

Ryan’s vivid memory of that day includes the moment when the world seemed to stop, marked by the eerie silence as airlines were grounded. “All of a sudden, everything got silent,” she added, highlighting the stillness broken only by the sound of singing birds. Ann Green, a friend of Ryan’s, shared her personal sadness during the ceremony, revealing the loss felt by her family.

Ryan and Green visit Fire Station 16 annually to pay homage to 9/11 victims and the fallen first responders. This year’s commemoration carried particular weight, given the passage of 25 years since the attacks that resulted in nearly 3,000 lives lost. Skokie firefighters demonstrated their respect with a ceremonial march and flag lowering on Sept. 11, 2026.

The ceremony commenced at 8:59 a.m., coinciding with the crash time of Flight 175 into the World Trade Center’s south tower on Sept. 11, 2001. Skokie’s Fire Department members, along with police officers and emergency service staff, led an honor guard procession surrounded by supportive local residents. The event included a moment of silence led by first responders, remembering victims vigilant in their service.

Skokie’s fire Chief Nicholas Eschner highlighted the significance of 9/11 in fire service history. He mentioned the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, law enforcement personnel, and civilian lives. He emphasized the lessons learned from that day that have influenced present-day operational practices.

Eschner noted that the Fire Department has preserved the tradition of the remembrance ceremony since 2002. “There was some discussion this year, whether we do something a little different, but the decision was made to stay the course,” Eschner explained. He added his personal connection to the tragic event, which reinforced his resolve to become a firefighter.

Police Chief Jesse Barnes expressed appreciation for the community’s ongoing involvement. “It really means a lot to us to see the community continuing to come out for this,” he stated. Barnes elaborated on how 9/11 transformed law enforcement, driving changes in training, technology, and necessary tools.

A first responder rang a “last alarm” bell to honor those lost during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, marking the 25th anniversary on Sept. 11, 2026.

Other local fire and police departments, including Evanston and Winnetka, held their own memorial ceremonies on Friday. Evanston’s events featured prominent figures such as state Rep. Robyn Gabel and former Mayor Steve Hagerty. Northfield’s observance included a bell tolling ceremony at the fire rescue facility, timed to note the collapse of the first tower. Throughout these events, community members acknowledged the importance of remembering.

Ryan emphasized the need to preserve the memory of 9/11. “It’s hard to imagine this was 25 years ago, but in some ways, it feels like yesterday,” she observed.