On Friday, September 11, 2026, our community came together to commemorate the 25 th
anniversary of September 11, 2001, with a Silent Parade that was both moving and deeply
meaningful.
More than twenty-five municipalities participated in the parade, including police vehicles,
fire apparatus, and other emergency vehicles from each municipality. The procession began at
the Darien Swim and Recreation Club, led by our local Scout group carrying a banner that
captured the spirit and purpose of the evening: “Darien Remembers 9/11.”
As the parade turned from Beechnut Street onto 71 st Street, we saw residents gathered in
front of their homes, with each home marked by an American Flag, thoughtfully placed there by
members of our Darien Lions Club. The sight was both beautiful and deeply patriotic.
I rode at the end of the parade alongside Mayor Frank Trilla of Willowbrook. As we
traveled down 71 st Street, we remarked on how beautiful it was to see the flashing lights of each
police and fire vehicle illuminating the evening. While beautiful, it was the residents along the
road who made the moment truly unforgettable. As we passed, we saw residents standing
quietly; some with their heads bowed, others with their hands over their hearts, while veterans
stood at attention and saluted as each vehicle passed by. There was very little sound from the
crowd; instead, there was a profound sense of reverence.
As we continued toward Clarendon Hills Road, the quiet became almost sacred. The
stillness of our neighbors reminded me of being in church, and to be honest, as we traveled the
length of the parade, I am sure that many of us offered a silent prayer for all those who lost their
lives on September 11, 2001, and for the many others who have died in the years since as a
result of that terrible day.
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Our world changed on September 11, 2001. For those of us who were alive that day, we
remember where we were and initial reactions to what we were viewing. We remember the
shock, the uncertainty, and the profound sadness. In many ways, it was the day that our country
lost a measure of its innocence.
Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember. We remember the innocent lives that
were lost; we remember the families who were forever changed; we remember the firefighters,
police officers, emergency personnel, and the ordinary citizens who demonstrated extraordinary
courage. And we remember all of those who continued to serve and sacrifice in the difficult
years that followed.
Most importantly, we remember that remembrance is not simply about looking
backward. It is about honoring the values that brought us together in those darkest hours;
courage, compassion, service, sacrifice, and unity.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who participated in, organized, and
supported our Silent Parade. Thank you to our Scouts for leading us with the “Darien
Remembers 9/11” banner, to the Darien Lions Club for placing the American Flags along our
route, for building our float, staging our event, and finally to all our police, fire, and emergency
personnel who made the evening possible by their presence.
And finally, to our first responders: thank you for your service every day on our behalf.
Your dedication, courage, and willingness to answer the call are a source of pride for our entire
community.
The Silent Parade was just that; a parade without words; yet somehow, it said everything
that needed to be said.
Twenty-five years later, Darien remembers, Darien honors, and Darien Never Forgets.