Community Vows To Never Forget Those Who Serve and Protect

The American Heroes Community Celebration at honored the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and captured the heart of the quintessential American hometown event.

The event had it all — free food, activities for the kids, performances by the  band and choir, families spending quality time together, the presence of the Scouts and respected public servants.

These components, however, did not diminish the heartfelt emotions shared by attendees for the heroes of 9/11 and the local community.

"I'm here because of this," said Jerry Moy of Grayslake pointing to a sticker on his shirt that said "God Bless America."

"I actually put a post in my Facebook page that asked friends to not put funny posts up today. Today we celebrate our freedom. That is more important than anything else," he said.

Lavonna Russo, manager of the Walgreens at Route 45 and 120 in Grayslake, heard about the event when fliers were placed in the store by the event planners.

"There are several Walgreens in the area supporting this effort. We wanted to let people know we are part of the community," said Russo, who passed out free water bottles to attendees.

For attendee Anne Glowski, the celebration represented an opportunity for people to put politics aside and come together as a country to recognize and honor common values.

"I am a member of the Tea Party, but I'm not here for that reason. I came out to show support for the country. It's not a political thing," said Glowski.

Grayslake resident John Villard and his wife, Pat, shared the emotional events surrounding their 9/11 experience.

"We were in Scotland when it all happened. A group of about 50 Americans were all in one room at our hotel watching the TV, with tears streaming down our faces," said Villard.

"I'll never forget that for the first time in history, Queen Elizabeth had them play The Star Spangled Banner during the changing of the guard."

The American Heroes Community Celebration was the expanded version of what originally was begun six weeks ago as a bike rodeo, to pay tribute to a father of a Cub in Scout Pack 91 who is being deployed to Afghanistan.

"This is great. I am glad for all the support," said serviceman Ira Fain, the original focus of recognition. 

"We're so thankful for all the support we have received. He wouldn't want any one to recognize him. All he would like is a handshake or a thank you," said Fain's wife, Hillary.

The celebration could not have taken place without the leadership of Den Mother Michelle Bauman, who enlisted her own Cub Scout Pack 91 along with other local Scouts to organize and coordinate the day's events.

"It's been blowing me away. When we realized this would coincide with 9/11 and we had the support of the village and the schools, I knew people would come," said Bauman.

Officials from the , , Grayslake Police, Fire and Public Works departments, as well as many other support organizations, lent their full support to bring the ceremony to fruition and recognize both 9/11 and our local heroes.