Group plans vigil downtown to remember 9/11

By Deanna Cabinian

The DeKalb Interfaith Network for Peace and Justice will hold a remembrance vigil for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and other victims of war and terrorism at 5 p.m. today at the corner of First and Lincoln Highway in downtown DeKalb.

Various people are slated to speak at the vigil, including the Rev. Leroy Mitchell, who will make introductory comments about the event and its purpose.

“I think it’s important that we become more oriented toward peace and not use [the events of Sept. 11] as a signal to go to war,” Mitchell said. “This is an important occasion to stop and consider that.”

Five people will read accounts of what happened to five families who lost loved ones during the events of Sept. 11.

NIU staffers Jim Schmidt and Craig Greenman, as well as other local musicians, will provide music for the ceremony.

Cele Meyer, one of the event’s organizers, said this vigil is for all victims of war and terrorism, not just those of Sept. 11.

The DeKalb Interfaith Network for Peace and Justice was formed 17 years ago. It has been meeting weekly at the corner of First and Lincoln Highway since Dec. 7, 2001. It draws an average of 25 to 30 people a week and has about 50 members who pay dues.