Bloomington to hold 9/11 ceremony open to public

Politicians, firemen and police officers will be on hand for a morning ceremony to commemorate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks today.

The ceremony is at 9 a.m. at the Showers Common at City Hall, and organizers are encouraging the public to attend, said Daniel Lopez, City of Bloomington communications director.

“It’s really a good time for us to thank our fire department and police department for the services they provide,” Lopez said. “We don’t take the time to thank them like we should, so this is an opportunity to do that.”

Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan, State Sen. Vi Simpson, State Rep. Peggy Welch, Bloomington Fire Chief Roger Kerr, Bloomington Police Chief Mike Diekhoff and Professional Fire Union 586 President Jim Parrott are scheduled to speak. Members of the Monroe County Veterans Honor Guard will also be there.

The ceremony will include a prayer, bell-ringing ceremony, presentation of the colors, rifle salute and playing of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.