Governor Ryan Announces Illinois' September 11th Memorial Service

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan will mark the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 in an 8:30 A.M. ceremony on the state capitol plaza between the firefighter and police officer memorials.

"We will come together this September 11th to celebrate our American heroes," Governor Ryan said. "In response to terror and devastation, our nation came together, stronger and more committed to freedom. September 11th will be a day to remember the victims, those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the brave men and women who are fighting for our freedom today."

The ceremony will honor the police officers, firefighters, military personnel and citizen heroes who lost their lives on that day. The ceremony will also honor the service men and women fighting in the War on Terrorism.

The Governor will be joined by State Fire Marshal Ernest Russel; Director of the State Police Sam Nolen; and Major General David Harris - Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard.

The memorial ceremony is open to the public and will include a military jet fly-over as part of the remembrance activities. Residents should not be alarmed by the overflights in Springfield.