In Woodstock, The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America opened a memorial at Resurrection Catholic Church with a flag ceremony, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The 15^th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack may seem overshadowed by the colorful Presidential campaigns, but throughout McHenry County people reverently remembered the day.

Huntley’s Del Web Sun City residents kicked off its memorial on Sept. 3, by showings the documentary, “9/11.” From Sept. 9-11, they invited the public to visit the Sept. 11, 2001 — 15th Anniversary Flag Display Memorial organized by a group of Sun City Huntley residents. Volunteers planted a flag for each of the 2,975 victims on the grassy hillside near the Fountain View Amphitheater. Taps played at sunset each evening at approximately 7:10 p.m. In addition, on Sept. 11, they presented a 90-minute program near the outdoor flag display and opened the Memorial Museum.

In Woodstock, The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America opened a memorial at Resurrection Catholic Church with a flag ceremony, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Resurrection Church Choir sang the Star Spangled Banner, and the crowd honored area first responders. n the past 15 years, teams matched more than 14,000 pieces of DNA with victims. Identifying victims this way required family and friends to provide samples of DNA of the victims from personal items. Mark Justin worked in collaboration with nations around the world. Today, more than two-thirds of the disassociated DNA is processed. The work continues to process all 22,000 pieces.

Mark Justin spent over 25 years as a firefighter and first responder. He thanked all of the past and present first responders and all of the families of those who came forward to provide DNA samples, so that the victims could be identified.

Justin spent over 25 years as a firefighter and first responder. He thanked all of the past and present first responders and all of the families of those who came forward to provide DNA samples, so that the victims could be identified. Justin shared a lasting memory of Ground Zero. Someone erected a large sign containing a biblical quote. Although he could not remember the quote word for word, he recalled the sentiment. “ Unless this grain of wheat falls to the ground, it cannot sport and bring forth fruit.”

Kirchoff enlisted during the Vietnam War and retired after 39 years and 13 days of service. As part of the Public Policy Committee, he helps acquire finances to fund treatment for veterans and first responders suffering from illnesses arising from their service. The Committee’s most recent success is the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. The Act, among other things, helps fund treatment for illnesses arising from trauma experienced during service. Kirchoff closed by reminding the crowd of over 100 McHenry County residents that “We are the home of the free because of the brave.”