What So Proudly We Hail

The 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, did not go unnoticed in Grayslake. Pride in country and an overflowing appreciation for the men and women who pledge to serve and protect was self-evident at Sunday's American Heroes Community Celebration at .

After thanking Cub Scout Pack 91 for taking the initiative to organize the event, Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor recognized the American heroes for whom the event was held.

"Sept. 11 showed us who true heroes are," Taylor said to the large crowd filling the bleachers at . "Today is a day to recognize our 'Everyday Heroes.' These are the people who ensure our communities are safe to live and raise our families. The armed forces, police, fire and public works."

Hainseville Mayor Linda Soto asked the audience to live by the Boy Scout motto.

"I would ask that we all try to live by the Scout motto of 'do your best.' Four hundred and five police, firemen and paramedics gave their lives on 9/11. First responders do not hesitate, they respond," Soto said.

Grayslake Fire Chief John Christian recalled the 9/11 tragedy and urged the crowd to remember those who gave their lives.

"While we say we will never forget, it is important to realize we are still in a world were terrorism is a threat," Christian said. "Our brave service men and women continue to protect us. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in 9/11 ... we can never forget!"

The important role of public works during community emergencies is often overlooked, as Grayslake Public Works Director Bill Hines explained.

"Did you wonder who the people were in the yellow and orange trucks in New York City moving debris immediately following the attack? Those were public works employees trying to save lives. We are honored to be recognized today," said Hines.

Event organizer Michelle Bauman, den leaders of Cub Scout Pack 91, tearfully thanked everyone in the community who had stepped forward to make the event a success.

"I am so proud of this community," Bauman said. "Our pack was going to recognize the father of a Cub who is being deployed to Afghanistan. Then the PTA at Prairieview asked if they could participate to support students with parents in the service. In six weeks, this event was pulled together and every school in the district has participated."

Event emcee Dave Oberg, executive director of the Grayslake Heritage Center, closed the event by encouraging the audience to exercise their precious right to choose freely.

"What we are doing today specifically is exercising our right to gather freely. Sixty percent of the world's population does not have that right," said Oberg.

"So when you leave here today, do something of your own choosing. Go to church, pay it forward, volunteer, do something to make this a better place to live, make a difference." 

With that, those in the crowd took to their feet with a resounding round of applause.