The City of Highland Park held a memorial ceremony on September 11, 2026, at Ravinia Festival Bennett Gordon Hall to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The weather mirrored the clear skies of that day both in Highland Park and in New York City, adding a poignant touch to the event.
Mike Moore of the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band played ‘Taps’ from the balcony during the ceremony. Attendees included elected officials from Lake County, Highland Park, and Highwood, with many taking their seats by 9 a.m. The program lasted just under an hour.
The ceremony began with the Highland Park Police and Fire Honor Guard presenting the colors. Rabbi Michael Schwab of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El delivered the invocation, followed by Highland Park Mayor Nancy R. Rotering addressing the audience. “Twenty-five years ago, we watched in horror as terrorists weaponized civilian aircraft, resulting in the loss of 2,977 lives,” Rotering said.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the North Suburban Special Recreation Association. Seventeen-year-old Clara Gillis, a senior at Highland Park High School, sang the national anthem. Although she was not alive during the attacks, Gillis expressed gratitude for participating in the remembrance. “I feel honored to sing the national anthem at this event,” she shared.
Highland Park Chief of Police Louis Jogmen and Fire Chief Joseph Schrage provided keynote remarks. Jogmen spoke on educating youth about 9/11 as a historical moment. Schrage spoke on the dedication of Highland Park fire personnel who assisted in New York City’s recovery efforts, acknowledging audience members who served similarly. Several stood in acknowledgment.
The ceremony concluded with Mike Moore playing ‘Taps’ once more, and the Highland Park High School string quintet provided music as attendees exited. U.S. Representative Brad Schneider, present at the event, remarked, “9/11 united us in 2001; we must channel that unity again 25 years later.”