Flags across Skokie and the North Shore were lowered on Friday in memory of the Sept. 11 attacks, marking 25 years since the tragedy that reshaped the nation. Residents, including first responders, gathered to reflect and honor the lives lost.

I’ll never forget the day it happened, Skokie resident Kathy Ryan recounted during a remembrance ceremony hosted by the Skokie Fire Department. Events like these are held annually to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 individuals who died in the attacks on New York City’s Twin Towers, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Ryan shared the moment she realized the gravity of the situation upon seeing the news broadcast. It felt like the whole world went still, she said, describing the eerie silence that followed as all flights were grounded. Ryan’s friend, Ann Green, noted, It’s just sad. It’s a sad day. Both women have made it a tradition to return to Skokie’s Fire Station 16 each year to honor the 9/11 victims and first responders.

This year’s ceremony began at 8:59 a.m., close to the time Flight 175 struck the World Trade Center’s south tower. Skokie firefighters, along with local police officers and emergency service personnel, participated in an honor guard procession. They lowered flags and observed a moment of silence for the victims.

Skokie Fire Chief Nicholas Eschner reflected on the significance of the day, It’s an important day in fire service history. He emphasized the lessons learned from the 9/11 attacks have influenced current operations in areas like incident command and communications.

The Skokie Fire Department has maintained the tradition of this remembrance ceremony since 2002. Eschner noted that he was inspired to pursue firefighting partly due to the events of 9/11. I knew I wanted to be a firefighter, he said, but [9/11] kind of catapulted me into [this being] a permanent decision.

Skokie Police Chief Jesse Barnes highlighted the impact of 9/11 on law enforcement, leading to a focus on improved training and technology to enhance public safety.

Elsewhere, Evanston Fire and Police Departments organized their own memorial ceremonies featuring prominent figures including state Rep. Robyn Gabel and 9/11 survivor Mark Shore. Winnetka showcased flags for a community-wide observance, while Glencoe held a ceremony at the veterans flagpole. Northfield’s event included a bell toll marking the first tower’s collapse.

Ryan emphasized the importance of remembrance, stating, It’s hard to imagine this was 25 years ago, but in some ways, it feels like yesterday.