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The 9/11 Memorial Remembrance Committee, supported by the ML Community Impact Alliance, invites the public to join in a 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial parade and community memorial service Sept. 11, honoring those who lost their lives, recognizing the heroes who answered the call, and inspiring a new generation to carry forward the unity, resilience, and enduring spirit that emerged in the days that followed, according to a provided news release.
The evening’s keynote speaker will be Mark Eaton, executive director of the Eaton Leadership Foundation. For more than four decades, Eaton has dedicated his career to leadership development, executive coaching, mentoring and nonprofit service. Through the foundation, he develops leaders of character, integrity and purpose while strengthening individuals, organizations and communities around the nation, according to the provided news release. His message will focus on leadership, hope, service and the enduring strength of the American people. Eaton also manages multi-award winning artist Susie McEntire.
The evening will begin with the 9/11 memorial parade stepping off at 6:30 p.m. from Boggs Industrial Park and traveling along Center Street to Indiana Street before concluding at Central Park in downtown Warsaw. Participants should begin lining up at 5:30 p.m., with parade registration information available soon on the Kosciusko County Freedom Fest Facebook page.
Firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, veterans, active-duty military personnel, Gold Star families, civic organizations, businesses, churches, schools, youth organizations and community members are encouraged to participate or attend as the nearly 3,000 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks are remembered and the sacrifice of those who answered the call are honored, stated the release.
Immediately following the parade, a community memorial service will begin at approximately 7:15 p.m. at Central Park. Designed to be meaningful and respectful, the program will provide an opportunity for reflection without an extended outdoor ceremony, the release states. It is intended as a community observance — not a worship service — and welcomes people of all backgrounds.
The memorial service will feature the presentation of the colors, patriotic music, a moment of silence, community participation and Eaton’s keynote address.
Before and after the memorial service, everyone is invited to America’s Picnic at Central Park, where complimentary hot dogs will be served. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy fellowship with friends and neighbors as the memory of Sept. 11 is honored.
On Sept. 12, the community is invited to mow a neighbor’s lawn, deliver groceries, visit a veteran, or simply stop by for a conversation with someone who could use a friend.
The event is free and open to the public. Donations to help support the memorial ceremony and picnic are welcome. For more information, parade registration or support, contact info@kcfreedomfest.org.
