The Egyptian Theatre and the Sycamore Fire Department hosted programs to remember those who passed away on Sept. 11, 2001.

The fire department’s ceremony began at 7:30 a.m., coordinated to occur at the exact moment the World Trade Center events occurred. Names of the firefighters who died while serving their country that day were read off.

“We choose this commemoration as a remembrance of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, the cost of freedom that we enjoy in this great country and the daily service of thousands of firefighters,” said Sycamore Fire Chief Bill Riddle.

The Egyptian Theatre’s events took place later in the day.

This is the first time the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., hosted a remembrance for Sept. 11.

“We try very hard to be non-political and offer people a place to come and share their thoughts,” said Carrie Brantley, volunteer at the theater.

From 4 to 6 p.m., the lobby was open to the public to look at posters of those who died in the attacks of Sept. 11 and to write their thoughts on a large pad of paper.

To commemorate the event, several people performed, including a dance number by Tori Brantley and a singing performance by Dori Burg.

“We need to respect the feelings of the families,” said Brenda Campbell, Sycamore resident. “Other countries had to deal with terrorism. We, as Americans, didn’t worry about terrorism. This is the world we live in and we needed to take precautions the same way as other countries did for years.”

The event allowed the theater to raise $100 toward the DeKalb Fire Department Paramedic Fund.

“It helps purchase additional equipment that the city couldn’t fund,” Brantley said.