Patriot Day at Des Plaines Civic Center

Despite the unrelenting downpour, close to 80 people, including police officers, firefighters, city officials, VFW members and residents gathered round the Des Plaines Civic Center at 1420 Miner St. on Sat. Sept. 11 at 8 a.m., in honor of Patriot Day to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001. Speeches were given by Mayor Martin J. Moylan, Police Chief Jim Prandini and Deputy Fire Chief Ron Eilken. Members of the Des Plaines Islamic Community Center also came to show their support and were representative of the tolerance in the Des Plaines' community and what could have been a controversial event. VFW Post Commander David Murphy acted as master of ceremonies and closed the event with these words, "Together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds."

Read a transcript of Police Chief Prandini's and Deputy Fire Chief Ron Eilken's speeches here.