BLOOMINGTON - It's a chance to show patriotism and look for a job at the same time.

More than 100 employers and service agencies will be at the Interstate Center on Thursday. Patriot Day recognizes the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

A career fair from 2 to 5:15 p.m. has more than 100 businesses and service agencies to help veterans and the general public, said retired Marine Sgt. Mick Mills, veterans' representative with the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

He cited the teamwork, diversity and dedication of veterans along with $3,000 per veteran in state and federal tax credits as advantages for employers. A networking reception for employers at 5:15 p.m. ends shortly before the 6:30 p.m. ceremony. Employers can register as late as the day before.

Motorcyclists will gather at the McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. Sept. 11 before heading south on Main Street to west on College Avenue to Wylie Drive to the Interstate Center's service drive.

"The ceremony won't start until the (flag-bearing) motorcycles get here," said Mills, adding 1,000 eight- by 10-inch flags will be given away.

Featured speaker is U.S. Army veteran Al Lynch, Medal of Honor recipient. In December 1967 in Vietnam, he carried three wounded soldiers to safety under intense enemy fire, among other heroic acts.

Lt. Col. George Rakers of the Bloomington-based Illinois National Guard will award medals to some soldiers. Schoolchildren will read letters written to soldiers in war zones.

The ceremony "is sure to be a soul-stirring presentation," said retired Army Lt. Col. Reginald Bernard, event co-organizer with Mills.

"With over 1,000 members of the National Guard from around Illinois getting ready to deploy or having just deployed, we feel the event expressing community and employer support is especially important," said Bernard.

"There's a couple of surprises going to make your heart warm," said Mills.

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Flags and careers

What: Patriot Day

When: Sept. 11

Times: Career fair, 2 to 5:15 p.m.; ceremony, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Where: Interstate Center, Bloomington

Other: 1,000 flags given away