9/11 memorial events in the Chicago area mark 23 years since the attacks

CHICAGO (CBS) — Chicagoans remembered those killed in the September 11, 2001, terror attacks 23 years ago.

The Chicago Fire Department paid tribute with a moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. local time. Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the department for the memorial service. 

At Union Station, Chicagoans took a somber day and turned it into a day of service. Tables lined the train station for volunteers to participate in a service project with Serve Illinois. Volunteers packed meals for the Greater Food Depository throughout the day. 

"In the wake of the tragedy, families got together and they wanted to redefine how their loved ones were remembered," said Jacob Jenkins, with Serve Illinois. 

In the western suburbs, the St. Charles Fire Department honored fallen first responders with a ceremony Wednesday morning at the fire department memorial monument.

The ceremony included a moment of silence, wreath laying, and a 21-gun salute.

In River Forest, Sept. 11 has become a day of action known as LemonAid, an annual charity fundraiser started in 2002 with the setup of a lemonade stand to raise funds for nonprofits.

More than two decades later, the humble effort has grown to a community-wide mainstay.

"I think it's a great way for kids to make a connection outside of getting lemonade and popcorn and things like that," said Lisa Birmingham, cofounder of LemonAid.

Another tribute took place farther west in Elmhurst where the local fire department unveiled its first responders memorial outside of fire station No. 2 which incorporates a piece of history, a steel column from the fallen Twin Towers, which was gifted to the town nearly a decade ago.

Organizers hope to raise $50,000 to donate to two organizations.

The piece is part of a sculpture by local artist Jason Peot, who said the goal was to create a community space that would encourage conversation and reflection.

Peot said the sculpture was meant "to have a place where that memory lives on and is taught about to those generations that weren't alive."

The City of Naperville will honor those killed in the attacks, including Naperville native, Commander Dan Shanower. He was a Navy officer who died in the attack on the Pentagon.

The city's remembrance event starts at 6 p.m. at the Shanower Memorial, along the riverwalk.