WMBD Radio Remembers 9/11: 25 Years Later

When the Skies Went Quiet

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:54:51 +0000

Greg and Dan talk with Gene Olson, Director of Airports for the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria, about his firsthand experience working in airport operations on September 11, 2001. At the time, Olson was Director of Operations at Evansville Regional Airport, and he recalls the morning of the attacks, receiving calls from air traffic control, and the unprecedented decision to halt air traffic across the country. He walks through what it took to shut down airport operations, secure runways and terminals, sweep the building, and respond as the aviation industry faced a situation unlike anything it had experienced before. He also reflects on how airport security and procedures changed in the aftermath and how long it took for many of the new rules and systems travelers know today to take shape.

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We Will Always Remember

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:06:40 +0000

Greg and Dan talk with former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, one of the featured speakers at today’s 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. He reflects on his own memories and experiences surrounding September 11, 2001, and how the attacks changed the country. He also shares his thoughts on America’s role in leading through diplomacy, the importance of unity and public service, and why the lives lost and sacrifices made that day must continue to be remembered by future generations.

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New Life Amid Tragedy

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:37:51 +0000

Greg and Dan talk with Eddie and Tracy Sutter about their deeply personal connection to September 11, 2001—the day their twin babies were born. They recall the events of that morning, what they remember seeing and hearing as the attacks unfolded, and the emotions of welcoming two new lives into the world on a day marked by unimaginable tragedy. Now, 25 years later, they reflect on that unique mixture of joy and heartbreak and the reminder that even during the darkest moments, life goes on.

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Through a Firefighter’s Eyes

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:59:30 +0000

Greg and Dan talk with Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger about today’s 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, happening at 10 a.m. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Chief Sollberger, who is serving as honorary chair of the ceremony, reflects on the emotions he experienced on September 11, 2001, when he was just three years into his career as a firefighter, and what was happening within his own fire department as news of the attacks unfolded. He discusses the instincts firefighters develop through their training, the desire to step forward and serve when others are in danger, and what draws people to the profession in the first place. He also addresses criticism firefighters sometimes face and shares his perspective on the commitment, sacrifice, and responsibility that come with the job, while honoring the first responders and nearly 3,000 people whose lives were lost 25 years ago.

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Washington Remembers 9/11!

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:08:42 +0000

Greg and Dan talk with David Houseworth, Northern Tazewell Fire Chief and co-chair of the September 11 Remembrance Ceremony Committee, about Washington’s annual September 11 Remembrance Ceremony, taking place Sunday, September 6 at 4 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Helicopter in Washington Park. He discusses what attendees can expect and why remembering the lives lost and sacrifices made on September 11 remains so important to the Washington community, especially as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks. He also highlights this year’s special guest speaker, U.S. Air Force Major Heather “Lucky” Penney, an F-16 pilot.

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