A gathering of police and firefighters - men and women - paid their respects today as they prepared to spend the day remembering and honoring those who perished.
They gathered at the Irish American Heritage Center on a day just like the day 25 years ago with clear blue sky's and white clouds.
It was a small gathering to start, but the group you see in the photos will be growing larger today, as they take Fr. Mychal Judge's Helmet to Oakbrook and Woodstock Illinois to continue honoring and remembering the fallen - firefighters,chaplains, police, and civilians.
True Patriots Care have put up a healinf field set up in Oak Brook today.
The field will display nearly 3000 American flages - each one carries a story of a life lost that terrible day.
The field will be on display from Wednesday through the weekend with an ending ceremony on Sunday afternoon, September 13.
The 25th anniversary Ride to Remember 9/11 is a motorcycle benefit fundraiser that will leave Woodstock Harley davidson on September 13, and travel to Oak Brook for the ceremony. It is a police escorted motorcycle run in which the funds raised from the Ride to Remember are distributed to 11 charities that help first responders and veterans.
https://youtu.be/8gLdgUXuliI
The Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago are the custodians of the fire helmet of the FDNY Chaplain Michael Judge designated victim, number 1. They have graciously given us the Fire Helmet to travel with us on our journey from Woodstock Harley Davidson to Oak Brook.
May we grow stronger and wiser in the years to come.
Our thanks to Frank Duggan, Brian Donovan of the Heritage Center, the rest of the staff at the Heritage Center, The Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Department along with Woodstock Fire Department.
Frank Duggan would like to that those who have helped him on this journey in geting this event up and rolling. He thanks the police and fire department agencies, along with Woodstock Harley Davidson for their support and all those who have offered help and sponsorship for the event
