Highland Park Marks 25 Years Since 9/11

The City of Highland Park commemorated the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, with a remembrance ceremony held on Sept. 11, 2026, at the Ravinia Festival Bennett Gordon Hall. The event took place under clear skies reminiscent of the weather on that tragic day in 2001 both locally and in New York City.

Mike Moore from the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band played ‘Taps’ on the bagpipes from a balcony during the ceremony, attended by numerous elected officials from Lake County, including representatives from Highland Park and Highwood.

The ceremony began at 9 a.m. and lasted just under an hour. It included the Pledge of Allegiance led by the North Suburban Special Recreation Association and a stirring performance of the national anthem by Clara Gillis, a 17-year-old senior at Highland Park High School. Despite not having been born yet during the 9/11 attacks, Gillis expressed gratitude for participating in the event, recognizing the honor of singing the anthem.

The program started with the Highland Park Police and Fire Honor Guard presenting the colors. Rabbi Michael Schwab from North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park gave the invocation. Highland Park Mayor Nancy R. Rotering addressed the audience, recalling the horror witnessed globally as terrorists used aircraft as weapons, resulting in the loss of 2,977 lives.

Mayor Rotering emphasized the unique and beloved nature of each person lost in the attacks, as well as those still suffering from its repercussions. Following a bell ceremony, Highland Park Chief of Police Louis Jogmen and Highland Park Fire Chief Joseph Schrage delivered keynote remarks. Jogmen stressed the importance of educating youth and young adults about this defining moment in history.

Chief Schrage honored Highland Park fire personnel who had traveled to New York City for rescue and recovery efforts. He also acknowledged audience members with similar experiences in New York City, inviting them to stand. Recognition was given to first responders who went to New York City, bearing witness to the grief over the loss of about 300 firefighters in the line of duty.

The program closed with Mike Moore sounding ‘Taps,’ followed by a performance from the Highland Park High School string quintet. As attendees exited the auditorium, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-10th) of Highland Park reflected on the unity Sept. 11, 2001, brought to the nation, encouraging the same spirit of unity 25 years later.

Karie Angell Luc contributed as a freelancer for Pioneer Press.