News Release
WARSAW – The community is invited to come together Friday, Sept. 11, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a Patriot Day Remembrance Parade, Memorial Ceremony and America’s Picnic in Warsaw.
The evening will honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, remember the sacrifices made in the years that followed, and recognize first responders, members of the military and others who serve their communities and country.
America’s Picnic will begin at 6:15 p.m. at Central Park, where the public is invited to enjoy complimentary hot dogs, chips and bottled water, along with homemade ice cream from Echoes of the Past. Food and the evening’s festivities are offered free of charge to the community.
The Patriot Day Remembrance Parade will step off at 6:30 p.m. from Boggs Industrial Park on West Center Street. Parade lineup begins at 5:30 p.m. The route will travel along Center Street to Indiana Street and Canal Street, concluding near Central Park.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., the Memorial Ceremony will begin at Central Park, 117 E. Canal St. The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors, a Moment of Silence and a keynote address from Mark Eaton, executive director of the Eaton Leadership Foundation.
Eaton brings more than four decades of experience in leadership, nonprofit work, mentoring and service. His career has ranged from directing a wilderness camping program for troubled youth to consulting with and mentoring business and community leaders. He holds a master’s degree in theology and leadership and today works with individuals and organizations across the country, focusing on the development of authentic and effective leaders.
Eaton’s work emphasizes character, authenticity, personal responsibility and the influence individuals can have on those around them. His presentation will focus on leadership and the role individuals can play in their communities.
A special focus of Friday’s gathering will be “Celebrating the Spirit of September 12.” In the hours and days following the attacks, Americans came together in displays of unity, patriotism, kindness and service to one another.
Twenty-five years later, organizers hope the community will remember not only what happened on Sept. 11, but also what happened on Sept. 12, including neighbors helping neighbors, strangers helping strangers and Americans setting aside their differences to stand together.
Families are encouraged to attend, bring lawn chairs and join friends and neighbors for this free community evening of remembrance, gratitude and unity.
Friday, Sept. 11
5:30 p.m. – Parade lineup at Boggs Industrial Park
6:15 p.m. – America’s Picnic at Central Park, with complimentary hot dogs, chips, water and Echoes of the Past homemade ice cream
6:30 p.m. – Patriot Day Remembrance Parade
7:15 p.m. – Memorial Ceremony at Central Park featuring keynote speaker Mark Eaton
The entire event and meal are free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected].