Twenty-five years ago, nearly 3,000 lives were lost in New York City, at the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Families were forever changed, communities faced unimaginable grief and our nation mourned collectively. In the time that followed, however, that grief was met with extraordinary courage, compassion and a shared determination to stand together.
“As IML approaches its 113th Annual Conference, the anniversary carries special significance for the League,” said IML President, Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Village of Matteson. “On that same fateful day, municipal officials from across Illinois were gathering in Chicago for the 88th IML Annual Conference when the attacks unfolded.”
“As municipal leaders prepare to gather again this September, we are reminded of those who came together 25 years ago during a moment none of us could have imagined,” said IML Chief Executive Officer Brad Cole. “They returned home to communities facing fear and uncertainty, and they did what local leaders have always done – they led with service to others. That legacy of service is especially meaningful as we honor the unity that carried our nation through the weeks and months that followed.”
The September 2026 edition of the Illinois Municipal Review magazine commemorates this anniversary by looking back at the events of September 11, the courage and sacrifice that followed and the leaders who helped guide their communities through an unprecedented moment in American history. Read the September 11 commemorative feature in the online version of Review (available via this link).
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
The Illinois Municipal League is the statewide association representing municipalities throughout Illinois. Founded in 1913, IML has worked continuously for the benefit of all 1,294 cities, villages and towns in Illinois to provide a formal voice on matters involving common interests. The League is managed under the general direction of Chief Executive Officer Brad Cole, former Mayor of the City of Carbondale.
