McDonough County Quality of Life Youth Task Force 9/11 Commemoration

The McDonough County Quality of Life Youth Task Force hosted a special event for area students to observe the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The event was held on Friday, September 10, 2021, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Chandler Park in Macomb. The event featured opportunities for local students to attend with their school to meet and talk with local first responders.

Representatives from the following agencies will be participating in the event: Macomb Police Department, Macomb Fire Department, McDonough County Sheriff Office, Illinois State Police, Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety, Lifeguard Ambulance Service, and the Illinois National Guard.

Youth Task Force Chair/WIU Assistant Professor, Dr. Megan Owens, and Macomb Police Chief Jerel Jones, noted this event provided a unique opportunity to help local students learn about a significant event in our country while offering students an opportunity to engage with a variety of first responders in a positive environment. While our youth did not witness 9/11, the lasting impact of that day has been significant to the U.S. For that reason, it is important that the heroic efforts demonstrated by first responders and ordinary citizens that day continue to be taught.

The Quality of Life Youth Task Force hosted a similar observation for the 10th anniversary with many classes and local day cares attending.