First responders climbed a tower. Politicians planned a moment of silence. Families and friends of victims remembered their loved ones. And the rest of us recalled where we were, 10 years ago today.
The nation paused to remember the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on Sunday.
At noon, police cars across Chicago activated their lights and sirens for 30 seconds to mark the solemn anniversary.
The mayor and other officials gathered at a special ceremony in Humboldt Park, before the annual softball challenge between the Chicago Police and Fire departments.
In Naperville, family and community members crowded the downtown river walk to mourn one of their own killed at the Pentagon 10 years ago. Commander Dan Shanower worked as a terrorism intelligence officer. His sister, Paula Coleman, hopes his memory will continue to live on.
"It certainly touches us deeply to see the number of people who came out today," she said. "Anyone who was affected that day hopes it will not be forgotten."
In Daley Plaza last night, politicians and religious leaders of many faiths came together to remember the tragedy. The Council of Religious Leaders organized the memorial.
"We wanted to make a statement that working together, standing together, praying together -- each in our own tradition, authentically -- can maybe bring a small piece of healing to a very fractured society right now," said the council's Rev. Stan Davis.
Leaders in Chicago's Muslim community said they wanted to help continue the journey of healing.
"I think there was a misunderstanding that because someone did this and said they were Muslim, that all Muslims think this way. And we know that Muslims do not believe this," said Dilara Sayeed, of the Council of Islamic Organizations.
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Gov. Quinn also spoke at the event, doing his best to sum up the importance of remembering what happened, and honoring those who lost their lives.
"It's so important that we band together in the best traditions of American democracy, and in the best traditions of the love of all faiths," Quinn said.
| Chicago Remembers 9/11: Ten Years Later |
