After the tragedy on Sept. 11, 2001, a group of caring Naperville residents approached Mayor Pradel to form a committee to honor Cmdr. Dan Shanower, who was killed that fateful day while working at the Pentagon. The committee, spearheaded by Chuck Johanns, met and decided to build a memorial. At the request of the Shanower family, the memorial was dedicated to all individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 due to the terrorist attacks.
After the memorial was complete, the committee began holding an annual remembrance of all individuals who had died on September 11. After a few years, the committee asked the Exchange Club to take over planning the service since it ties into their Americanism efforts.
On the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the Naperville Exchange Club is sponsoring the annual Sept. 11 remembrance at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial. As the sponsoring organization, the Exchange Club is proud to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice more than a decade ago on that fateful day.
This year’s event will take place at 6PM on Wed., Sept. 11 at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial, located behind the Municipal Center along the Riverwalk. In case of rain, the event will take place inside Council Chambers at the Municipal Center. Music before the ceremony will begin at 5:30PM.
Roger Burgess, a teacher at the Wheaton Christian Academy, will be the featured speaker. Roger was Todd Beamer’s teacher and basketball coach.
Todd Morgan Beamer (Nov. 24, 1968 – Sept. 11, 2001) was a passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 93, another plane that was hijacked on that horrific day never to forget.
For more information about the Exchange Club of Naperville or to attend a meeting, contact me at EmyTrotz@gmail.com. Thanks.
