This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Photo Gallery: A Tinley Park Patriot Day to Remember

Hundreds came to downtown Tinley Park Sunday for a tribute to the lives lost on 9/11 and during the war on terrorism.

It's hard to believe that a decade has passed since Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorist acts targeting New York, Washington D.C. and Pennslyvania took the lives of thousands of our nation's people.

rallied its national spirit Sunday during its . The weather Sunday was just like it was that fateful day. The sun was shining and there were few clouds in the sky. But ever since, life continues to be a little different for all of us.

Tinley Park recognized that fact in a big way. The day began with a pancake breakfast at the American Legion. Bikers then lined up for the .

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

By 8:40 a.m., Tinley Park Mayor Ed Zabrocki welcomed those who joined firefighters and police officers along South street.  

As the clock ticked to 8:46 AM, rang a bell to signify the attacks on the World Trade Center. In the background, church bells could be heard. 

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tinley Park Mayor Ed spoke about being on the phone with his son on 9/11, who lived in New York at the time. They were talking when the second plane hit the second tower and he heard his son's office staff scream, he said.

Tinley Park's own Brigadier General Patrick Rea also gave his thoughts on 9/11.

"When those first responders went to the World Trade Center, they were going up to save those on the upper floors, they became the first defenders and they remain that way," he said.

Awards for Tinley Park firefighter and police officer of the year were presented to Fire Lt. Ken Roemer and late Tinley Police Chief Michael O'Connell. O'Connell's wife, Barbara, accepted the award on his behalf.

The unveiling of the Remembrance Bench by artist Nick Schulien took place along with the display of a beam from the World Trade Center.

Taps was played to end the ceremony.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?