The Peoria Riverfront Museum is preparing to host a commemorative ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, bringing together regional leaders, first responders, and community members for a solemn morning of remembrance. The upcoming event reflects a quarter-century of collective grief and resilience, honoring the lives lost and recognizing the profound impact the tragedy had on both the nation and the local Peoria community.
Scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, the ceremony will feature attendance from a prominent contingent of state and local public officials. Community members will gather at the facility to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 individuals who were killed during the coordinated 2001 strikes against the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and a field in rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The memorial proceedings will be officially led by Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger, whose leadership underscores the essential role emergency personnel continue to play in upholding the legacy of the fallen. Chief Sollberger will be joined by a diverse array of community figures, civic leaders, museum board members, and key philanthropic donors who have supported the commemorative programming.
The ceremony serves as an opportunity for the central Illinois region to stand in solidarity with those affected by the events of September 11. By involving municipal leadership and local emergency services, the museum aims to foster an atmosphere of shared reflection, paying tribute to the immense sacrifices made by first responders and civilians during and after the strikes.
A central focus of the remembrance will be the life and memory of Charles "Chip" Chan, who holds the tragic distinction of being the only individual from Peoria to die in the 2001 attacks. Chan was working as a bond trader on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower when the building was struck by hijacked American Airlines Flight 11.
Chan’s enduring legacy remains deeply woven into the local commemoration, highlighting the direct personal connection the Peoria community shares with the national tragedy. His family’s continued engagement provides a deeply moving local focal point for an event that reverberated across the entire world twenty-five years ago.
In a poignant display of support, Chip Chan’s parents, Julia and John Chan, are scheduled to attend Friday’s gathering in person. The Chans have also stepped forward to serve as primary sponsors for both the anniversary ceremony and the major museum exhibition presented in conjunction with the event.
The commemorative gathering is closely tied to the museum's featured special presentation, titled the "We Remember" exhibition. This project was developed through a direct institutional partnership with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, enabling the Peoria institution to present an extensive and emotionally resonant collection of historical materials.
The resulting exhibition offers visitors a rare, one-of-its-kind showcase that illuminates the complex history of the attacks and their aftermath. By collaborating with the national repository in New York, the Riverfront Museum provides local access to artifacts and narratives that might otherwise only be viewed at Ground Zero.
Included among the displayed items are genuine tools and equipment utilized by emergency crews and volunteers during the extensive rescue and recovery efforts that followed the collapses. The collection also features historical remnants and structural fragments recovered directly from the Ground Zero rubble in Lower Manhattan.
Beyond physical wreckage, the "We Remember" exhibit incorporates intimate first-hand accounts from individuals who lived through the tragedy, documenting the harrowing realities faced by survivors, witnesses, and recovery personnel. These personal testimonies give voice to the human dimension of the crisis, detailing the courage and sorrow experienced in real time.
The exhibition also highlights a curated selection of artwork produced in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. These creative pieces reflect how artists and communities processed the overwhelming grief and sought to find meaning, unity, and healing during a turbulent period in contemporary American history.
Museum organizers have confirmed that the remembrance ceremony is free of charge and open to all members of the public who wish to pay their respects. While admission carries no cost, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance directly through the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s official website to ensure smooth entry.
For those unable to attend the Friday memorial service, the comprehensive "We Remember" exhibition will remain open to the public for an extended run, concluding its presentation on April 11, 2027. This extended window ensures that residents throughout Illinois will have ample time to engage with the historical collection and honor the memory of those lost.
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