Early on a morning 25 years ago, the United States was changed forever when nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorism attack. This morning, Oak Park came together in a shared sense of community to commemorate the past and hope for a better future.
First responders, village trustees and other officials, and residents gathered in front of Oak Park Fire Department Station 1 on Euclid Avenue where local leaders offered speeches and the names of those who lost their lives were read.
“Let us set aside our differences, the noise and the distractions of everyday life, let us listen, let us reflect and let us remember. Most importantly, let us carry forward the values that have emerged in the aftermath of that terrible day — the values of compassion, courage, service, unity, and hope,” said Chief JT Terry.
The message of unity despite difference and the sense of togetherness that came from such a tragic day was echoed by all of the speakers including Village President Vicki Scaman and Chief of Police Shatonya Johnson.
Scaman shared her, and the community’s, appreciation for the “professionalism, passion, and dedication” of local first responders. She said differences make a community “vibrant and democratic” while reminding us of our shared humanity and care for one another.
“We can have deep gratitude and courage for those who are in the worst danger to protect our person, while also recognizing that the strongest communities are built on trust, mutual respect, accountability, and shared commitment to the dignity of every person,” said Scaman.
Johnson expressed her gratitude not just for the firefighters, paramedics and police officers, but also public works and health departments highlighting Oak Park’s whole effort to ensure community safety.
Oak Park Fire Department first responders stand in a line while people speak at the 9/11 memorial event hosted at fire station 1 on Sept. 11, 2026. Credit: Sydney Lovan 
Oak Park Police Chief Shatonya Johnson speaks at the 9/11 memorial event hosted at fire station 1 on Sept. 11, 2026. Credit: Sydney Lovan 
Members of the Oak Park Police Department carry flags for the 9/11 memorial event hosted at the Oak Park fire station 1 on Sept. 11, 2026. Credit: Sydney Lovan 
Oak Park Police Chaplain Adonna Reid speaks at the 9/11 memorial event hosted at fire station 1 on Sept. 11, 2026. Credit: Sydney Lovan
“It reminds us when our community faces dark moments, and let’s face it, Oak Park has faced some dark moments, what it means to stand together, come together, and to answer the call.” said Johnson. “May we always remember that service is about people, unity is about strength, and together we are stronger.”
Police Chaplain Adonna Reid ended the ceremony with a prayer, or moment of reflection for any practice, and reshared children’s TV icon Fred Roger’s impactful message from 25 years ago to “look for the helpers.”
“We’re all called to be courageous in this thing called life, standing for what is right, what is good,” said Reid.