The names of five local heroes who died in the line of duty are forever etched in a memorial in Warsaw’s Central Park. The names include Warsaw Fire Fighter Harold Shepler, KCSD Deputy Joseph Bauer, KCSD Detective Phillip Hochstetler, Indiana State Police Trooper Jason Beal, and KCSD Deputy Sgt. Jeffery Shaw. (Photo by Stacey Page)

On Sept. 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda, hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C. A fourth plane – ultimately commandeered by the passengers who fought back – missed its intended target and crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

Often referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in the deaths of 3,000 people, including more than 400 police officers and firefighters. Two paramedics were also killed.

On Sept. 11 of each year, America now celebrates Patriot Day, an observance to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks. In Kosciusko County, the following memorials are scheduled:

Wawasee American Legion Post 223 and Syracuse VFW Post 1342 are holding a memorial service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, in Veterans Memorial at Crosson Mill Park, 311 N. Huntington St. (SR 13). The park is across the street from Syracuse Town Hall.

The public is encouraged to attend. The brief ceremony will include a color guard and a 21 gun salute.

Also on Sept. 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m., a ceremony in Warsaw will begin at the 9/11 stone memorial at the Center Lake Pavilion island. The event will include a guest speaker, songs and recognition of local emergency services personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Patriot Day ceremony in Warsaw will begin with the Lake Area Community Band playing before opening remarks by Warsaw Police officer Mike Cox, co-chairman of the 9/11 committee. Ken Locke will lead the prayer, following by the singing of the national anthem by local student  Bryce Lippe.

Boy Scout Troop 715 will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by more musical tributes by Warsaw Police officer Brad Kellar, Ivory West and Ed Rock, emergency management director. Kimberly Stout of the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross will announce the Battle of the Badges winner during the ceremony. The friendly competition asked all emergency service workers to donate life-saving blood.

Also on hand for the Warsaw event will be the Patriot Guard, Marine Riders and Legion Riders, as well as many emergency service personnel from area agencies.