College of DuPage commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a ceremony honoring the lives lost, remembering the events that forever changed the nation and recognizing the courage of first responders and civilians. 

View photos from the ceremony.

The commemoration featured reflections from COD President Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi, Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) Program Manager John Mondelli, Emergency Management Services/Fire Science Program Manager Brian Baudek and Suburban Law Enforcement Academy Manager Michael Zegadlo. 

The ceremony also included a presentation of the colors and ceremonial procession by Suburban Law Enforcement Academy recruits, accompanied by bagpipers. Flowers were placed at COD’s 1,000-pound section of steel from the World Trade Center, which is permanently displayed inside the Homeland Security Education Center. 

As one of only a handful of educational institutions nationwide to house a World Trade Center steel beam, COD provides students, employees and community members with a tangible connection to one of the most significant events in modern U.S. history. The beam is believed to have come from a lower floor of one of the Twin Towers, with concrete still attached from where it was once anchored. 

The beam is a symbol of our resilience and our capacity to endure our darkest moments and overcome them. We have an obligation as a community to remember and respect with gratitude those who died as well as the difficult but important history of 9/11.

President Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi

Additional visual elements from the commemoration included: 

• 2,977 American flags displayed on the front lawn of the Homeland Security Education Center representing each person who died in the Sept. 11 attacks.
• Historical photographs highlighting the events of 9/11 and their lasting impact.
• A reflection wall where students, employees and visitors shared memories and thoughts about the anniversary.