Highland Park looking for submissions for 9/11 ‘living history project’ ahead of 25th anniversary

As the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, Highland Park is inviting residents to do more than remember. They’re being asked to share.

For the first time, the City is creating a community memory-sharing project that will give residents an opportunity to record their recollections of that day and have them displayed at City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Ave., throughout September, creating a collective portrait of how Highland Park experienced one of the most defining moments in American history.

The City encouraged residents to share their experiences and memories with the community by filling out this form, officials said in an email. 

“A project like this helps personalize a moment of history in a way that I think is more relatable than learning about it as historical fact,” said Amanda Bennett, the City’s communications manager. “It was such a watershed moment in our history, and it personally impacted many folks in Highland Park, although it occurred in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.” 

The City welcomes reflections from community members, including: 1) where you were and what you remember from Sept. 11, 2001, 2) how the events affected you and your family, personally or professionally, 3) experiences serving as a first responder, member of the military, volunteer or community supporter, 4) memories of someone whose life or service was connected to Sept. 11, 5) reflections on how the country united following the attacks, and 6) thoughts on what Sept. 11 means to you 25 years later.  

Residents may upload a document or type directly into the form. Additionally, photographs and artwork can be uploaded, as well.

The last 9/11 observance in Highland Park occurred in 2021 for the 20th anniversary; although the City has annually marked the day with a post on its website or social media.

The 20th anniversary ceremony started at the fire station, and City officials spoke to the significance of the day. The event didn’t, however, include a community feedback portion to the remembrance, making this year’s program unique.

To Bennett, this year seems “more important than ever,” to preserve the history of the attacks, especially those personal memories, so that someone who is 25 years old and born the year 9/11 happened knows about the event more authentically. 

The 25th year is another large anniversary where taking the extra step to remember and honor these events with this magnitude is appropriate, Bennett said. 

Bennett noticed that “many” community members do not have any personal memories of the event, which makes the education of it today more crucial, she added. 

“I hope people embrace the opportunity to be a part of this living history project,” Bennett said. “When people see the display, they might be prompted to contribute, and understand further. So, our goal at the end is to have a full picture of how our community was impacted by and responded to that tragedy.” 

Bennett said she would love to add an  “interactive component” to the project, where people could complete their portion, leave it with the front desk, as people browse through the exhibit, so that they can be part of it in-person. 

The City will also host the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with an observance on Friday, Sept. 11, in Bennett Gordon Hall, 201 St. Johns Ave., at Ravinia Festival.

The program will remember those who were killed and injured and honor those who responded to the call for aid, especially first responders from Highland Park and Highwood. 

The Highland Park Fire Department will lead the Last Alarm Bell Ceremony, a tradition within the department to ring the bell three times to honor those involved, as part of a program including remarks by Mayor Nancy Rotering, Chief of Police Lou Jogmen, Fire Chief Joe Schrage and Deputy Fire Chief Bill Brennan, who provided mutual aid in New York City.

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