Black Fire Brigade commemorates firefighters that died on 9/11
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ceremonies and fundraisers marked the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks Wednesday.
Chicago's Black Fire Brigade honored the New York Black firefighters that died on September 11 at a ceremony at the Chicago fire station at 54th and Wabash.
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"It's a pleasure and an honor to honor their legacy," Chicago Firefighter and EMT Jasmine Williams said. "Those were the initial firefighters in the service that looked like us and they start off our path for us. Essentially, they were trailblazers."
NYC Fire Marshall John Coombs who was a firefighter at the time of the attack joined the ceremony in Washington Park.
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"It was important that we hold their names in history," Coombs said. "That we would honor them by acknowledging them."
Of the 343 firefighters who sacrificed their lives as first responders to the attack, 12 were African American.
Those at the ceremony saif it's important to not forget the legacy their sacrifice creates for the future.
In River Forest, a small lemonade-stand based fundraiser has grown into an event in which the whole block participates. The 9-11 LemonAid Kids Helping Kids event has raised more than half a million dollars for charity to date.
"We always pick a charity that serves families and children," said Patty Hanek, who helped organize the event.
This year the money will be split between nonprofits Wonder Works Children's Museum and Collaboration for Early Childhood.
"LemonAid is helping us at the collaboration to a lot of outreach into communities to help families whose kids are still recovering from some of the developmental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Mary Reynolds of Collaboration for Early Childhood.
In Elmhurst, a first responders memorial was unveiled. The sculpture incorporates a piece of history: a rail from the World Trade Center.
"First responders rushed into danger risking their lives to save others," said Mayor Scott Levin. "Ordinary citizens became heroes showing us the true meaning of courage and selflessness."
The LemonAid fundraiser goes until 7 p.m. and you can contribute for a few more weeks online at their website.
