I remember it vividly, like it was only yesterday. 

I was in my basement workroom, cutting fabric for window treatments.  It was a Tuesday, like a thousand others, until the phone rang and my friend breathlessly told me to turn on the television.  Her voice was filled with terror and urgency as she kept repeating, "I can't believe it.  Oh my God, I can't believe it.  We've been attacked!"

Sept. 11, 2001 was the day that changed America forever.  Terrorism had finally made its way to our shores.  We witnessed a surreal unraveling of evil men unleashing such hatred and havoc on innocent people that to this day it's truly hard to fathom that it actually happened.  The sense of fear and horror that permeated our entire nation that day can never completely be forgotten.

But one thing I've learned about America is that when we face a crisis, we pull together like no nation in the world.  Setting aside our individual needs and agendas, we work together supporting one another and overcoming whatever adversity has befallen us. 

In our darkest hours America shines its brightest.  9/11.  It galvanized our nation like no other event has in my lifetime.  It is one of the greatest challenges our country has faced in its 235 years of existence.

As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 nears, we once again begin to think a great deal about that day and how our country has been impacted.  Those who lost a loved one or friend have had to move forward, grieving and healing as best they can.  Many of us have held them in our thoughts and prayers. 

However, this milestone anniversary requires that we do something significant to honor and remember those victims of the terrorist attacks.

I am now in the process of planning several memorials that will take place in downtown Oswego on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011.  Here is my "vision":

There will be 2,996 pairs of empty shoes lining Washington Street between Route 71 and Adams Street.  They will be placed on both the north and south sides of the street. Each block will have a Wreath of Remembrance on the corner.  Throughout the memorial there will be signage with information and facts. 

At Hudson Park I'd like to have 2,996 plaques (like the ones I did for the Fourth of July) bearing the name of each individual who lost their life that day.  I walked through the park one day and, sadly, it will take the entire park to place all of these plaques. 

There will also be a wreath at the entrance, a flag ceremony and several other things taking place.

Finally, there will be a reading of all of the names ... location to be determined.  

Of course, I am in need of many volunteers to bring this vision to life.  Here is a list of what I currently need:

SHOES..............SHOES.............AND MORE SHOES!! 2,996 pairs of gently used shoes that will later be donated to various organizations.  I now have a large tub for your shoe donations on my front porch at 26 E. Washington St. (corner of Monroe and Washington - green house/black shutters).  You may drop them off at any time beginning now.  I will keep you posted weekly on the amount collected.

VOLUNTEERS - Sunday, Sept. 11:

• 4:30 a.m. - Phase I - set-up 25 volunteers needed (breakfast provided)
• 6 a.m. - Phase II - set-up at Hudson Park 25 volunteers needed (breakfast is provided)   
• 7 p.m. - Phase III - Removal of memorials 25 volunteers needed
• Reading of Names: 30 articulate individuals who will each read approximately 100 names.
• Corner hosts/volunteers who will hand out ribbons, programs, and answer questions.  There are 14 posts that need to be manned.  You will all be provided with T-Shirts to help identify you.
• Shifts: 8 - 11 a.m. (14 volunteers),  11 - 2 p.m. (14 volunteers), 2 - 4:30 p.m. (14 volunteers), and 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. (14 volunteers)

There will be meals and snacks provided throughout the day for all volunteers.

I am looking for corporate, business and priviate sponsors/contributions to help make this day a reality.  Anyone who wishes to contribute can make their checks out to: 9/11 EMPTY SHOE MEMORIAL and mail it to Pat Gavros, P.O. Box 249, Oswego, IL  60543.

I am setting up an account specifically for this event.  Questions and further information?  Contact:  Pat Gavros @ 630-554-5440 or email me at branthonypublishing@yahoo.com

We came together on the Fourth of July with nearly 160 volunteers so I have no doubt that there will be many who wish to participate.  However, if you're unable to volunteer, please find time to visit the memorials.  My mission is:

To honor and remember all the victims of 9/11.

To name each individual who died.

To comfort the families and friends of those suffered a loss that day.

To provide a place for our community to come together to grieve, heal and comfort one another.    

I look forward to hearing from you.

As always ... live an inspired and patriotic week!