Palatine High School To Recognize Present And Past Patriots

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 events that changed our world, the students and staff of will pay tribute to past and present Patriots on Friday, Sept. 9  before the Palatine vs. Wheeling varsity football game at Chic Anderson Stadium.

Individuals who presently serve or have served their country as police officers, fire fighters, or military personnel will be recognized, honored, and thanked as our “Patriots” by the Palatine and Wheeling communities, a press release from Township High School District 211 states.

The celebration will occur in conjunction with the playing of the National Anthem by Palatine High School’s Marching Band at approximately 6:45 p.m. 

The events sponsored by the Social Studies Department are designed to honor our local Patriots (active, inactive, and deceased members of fire departments, police agencies, and military services) who serve our community, state, and nation.  Palatine, Police Chief Al Stoeckel; Palatine, Fire Chief, Scott Andersen; and American Legion Post 690 were invited to Spread the Word and invite all of their “Patriots” to the Tribute.

Individuals in attendance will be asked to dress in Red, White, and Blue attire and to observe a moment of silence to remember those who have given their lives and or risk their lives in service to their communities.

The 67 people from Palatine who lost their lives in military conflicts coupled with the Five Palatine Fire Fighters who died while performing their duties fighting fire will also be memorialized.

During the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” all active, in-active, retired, or surviving family members of deceased fire fighters, police, and military personnel will be invited to stand on the field of play with a 15 foot American flag.

Those individuals and their immediate family members will receive a Red, White, and Blue commemorative ribbon; will be admitted free to the game as guests of Palatine High School; and will be served a meal during a pre-game tail gate grill party.

A larger American flag that was made by PHS students in 2001 after the events of  9/11 will be unfurled and held by 80 students during the playing of the National Anthem. The 60 foot flag is a replica of the larger 90 foot American flag created by students of PHS immediately after the events of 9/11 which was retired at a ceremony at the sight of Flight 93 in Somerset, County Pennsylvania.

Throughout the sophomore game and the varsity game both the visiting and the home crowds will be encouraged to view a 14 foot high by 290 foot long  Patriot Day Tribute Wall created by students and staff to honor local and national Patriots.

The wall consists of more than 600 banners honoring Americans who survived and/or those victims who lost their lives during the events of September 11, 2001 as well as other Patriots who have served and continue to serve their fellow citizens.

It is the hope of the Social Studies department and the Palatine High School community that the Palatine community will reach out to Patriots everywhere and include them in their thoughts and prayers. If you are a Patriot, or know a Patriot please contact Terry or Laura from the PHS Athletic Department and let them know you will be in attendance.