Five Things to Know Today: Sept. 6

1. Send us your 9/11 reflections

With the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, fast approaching, we’re looking for thoughts, memories and reflections on the day that changed America forever. Send yours (photos, memories or anything else you can think of) to brianf@patch.com.

2. 

The 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 conjures images, once again, of that horrific day when terrorists toppled the World Trade Center and gouged a bone-baring hole in America's base for military strategy, the Pentagon.

For Ed LeTourneau, founder of Salute the Armed Forces, those dark images also serve to call up the idea that plenty of those firefighters, EMTs and police officers were veterans before they shifted from military service overseas to service in their own U.S. communities.

Having established the DuPage County-based, home-grown, non-governmental organization three years ago for the purpose of filling in the gaps that the Veterans Administration and related agencies can't quite pigeonhole, LeTourneau said Salute the Armed Forces stands at the ready to assist those who fought for "our freedom."

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3. 

For 20 youth sports organizations demonstrating their commitment to responsibility on and off the ice, Liberty Mutual will soon make a very memorable contribution, in the amount of a $2,500 Responsible Sports Community Grant.  The Sabre Hockey Association is hoping to be one of them.

Community Grants are part of Liberty Mutual’s Responsible Sports Program, which is an ongoing effort championing and celebrating responsibility in youth sports.  This community-based program offers meaningful, easy-to-use educational resources for youth sports parents and coaches, including access to on-the-ice game and practice preparation tools, as well as self-paced online coursework filled with learning tools, videos and topics addressing youth sports issues.

4. 

Throughout the month of September, Power Equipment Direct will donate $1 for each person that “Likes” them on Facebook to Operation Support Our Troops – America. 

“Companies are looking for innovative ways to show support for our troops and we are grateful that Power Equipment Direct chose to partner with us for this program,” said Deb Rickert, President and co-founder of Operation Support Our Troops - America. “For every 25 Facebook Likes during this program, Operation Support Our Troops - America will be able to ship one 25 pound box to a hero serving in harm's way.” 

Operation Support our Troops – America is dedicated to providing comfort and care to active duty military, families and veterans by sending comfort packages to American troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. 

5. 

Will County Executive Larry Walsh hailed a recently signed medication take-back measure as a way for all Illinois residents to be given the opportunity County residents have had since 2007. 

“It’s wonderful the whole state will begin to care for our water sources by keeping prescription drugs out of them,” said Walsh. “With the recent addition of the Mokena and Plainfield police departments, Will County has 18 locations for residents to drop off expired or no-longer-needed, non-narcotic medications. Everyone in Illinois should have the same opportunity as Will County residents to do the responsible thing.

Under the new law, signed by Gov. Pat Quinn on Aug. 24, police departments and city halls will offer locked mailbox-shaped containers in which people can dispose of medicines. The law will become effective Jan. 1.

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