UPDATE from City of Naperville, Sept. 5, 2018 / From noon to 12:30PM on Sept. 11, a special 30-minute concert on the bells of the Millennium Carillon in remembrance of September 11, 2001, will occur. This will include a solemn tolling of the “Big Joe” bell followed by “In Memoriam,” a carillon piece written following the events of September 11 meant to be played in bell towers throughout the world. Carillon music can also be heard beginning at 5:30PM.
After the tragedy on September 11, 2001, a group of caring Naperville residents approached Mayor Pradel to form a committee to honor Commander Dan Shanower, a Naperville native who was working at the Pentagon that fateful day and lost his life. 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 were killed on September 11, 2001, due to the terrorist attacks. In 2008, the Exchange Club was asked to take over planning the annual service since it ties into their Americanism efforts.
The September 11th program this year will feature Kris Habermehl who is with WBBM News Radio, as keynote speaker. Music from the Naperville Municipal Band will begin playing at 5:45PM. The program will begin at 6PM.
Working for decades from aboard the CBS TV and radio helicopters “Chopper2” and “Chopper 780,” Habermehl has been able to combine work with his other passion, flying. Habermehl has won five regional Emmys and numerous other broadcasting awards. He also lectures on severe weather events, maritime and aviation history and can be seen on various PBS documentaries on Chicago.
Habermehl also is a firefighter lieutenant in charge of training at the Kirkland Community Fire District in northern DeKalb County. He was one of the first to arrive on the scene of the deadly tornado in Fairdale in 2015 and remains actively engaged with residents there to this day.
Exchange Club of Naperville
The Exchange Club of Naperville was chartered in September 1987 with 50 members. Today the club is going strong at 142 members. Through the years the club has been quite successful. We just celebrated the 31st Ribfest. The club also has been successful with the Grand Prix Race, the three-on-three basketball tournament and the 5K race. Because of these fundraisers, the club has given back over $15 million to local charities.
The Exchange Club also continues to sponsor the Adopt a Family program where $10,000 goes to buy Christmas presents for those less fortunate. We donate money to both school districts and senior housing in Naperville. In addition to our responsibility to host the September 11th observance, we also honor a Firefighter and Policeman of the Year.
If you are interested in joining this very worthwhile organization, please contact me at EmyTrotz@gmail.com.
