9/11 Memorial Dedicated
9/11 memorial dedicated September 12,2006 ROBIN CLAYTON STAFF WRITER
Less than a month ago, construction was just beginning at Neuseway Park on a memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist arracks of Sept. 11, 2001. On Monday, that memorial was revealed and dedicated to emergency service responders both locally and across the nation.
“This project was started three weeks ago,” said Eric Cantu, chairman of Salute! Tribute to America’s Veterans. Cantu, along with other Salute! members, got the inspiration for a memorial from Woodmen of the World, which dedicated the park’s flagpole in 2002.
The 911 Emergency Services Memorial, which is located in front of and incorporates the flagpole, is symbolic in nature, relating directly to the events of 9/11. With walkways representing airport runways and a water feature standing for the bravery of first responders, the Pentagon-shaped memorial is a true reminder of the horror felt by Americans five years ago. The memorial is not completely finished, but Cantu referred to the remaining work as “finishing touches.”
Speakers at the Monday’s memorial dedication included Roger Dail, director of emergency services.
”We are very blessed to have the caliber of first responders that we have,” said Dail to the ceremony’s attendees of veterans, emergency responders, local officials and residents.
Dail said that although Lenoir County has never experienced a tragedy with the magnitude of 9/11, local emergency workers experienced similar chaos in 2003 when an explosion occurred at the West Pharmaceutical Plant.
“It is very humbling to see a community come together like that,” he said.
Kevin Collier contributed to the program by singing, “The Ones Left Standing,” a song that describes the feelings experienced by many Americans after 9/11. Collier encouraged those at the ceremony to continue to join together as the country continues to deal with the affects of the terrorist attacks.
“Treacherous forces tried to tear us apart; instead they united us,” said Collier.
In closing the ceremony, Danny Rice, national director and president of Kinston Lodge 46 of Woodmen of the World, addressed the group, thanking the community for supporting the memorial.
“This is a real humbling experience,” said Rice. “I had no idea it would blossom into this special presentation.”
Robin Clayton can be reached at (252) 527-3191, Ext. 273 or rclayton@freedomenc.com.
Less than a month ago, construction was just beginning at Neuseway Park on a memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist arracks of Sept. 11, 2001. On Monday, that memorial was revealed and dedicated to emergency service responders both locally and across the nation.
“This project was started three weeks ago,” said Eric Cantu, chairman of Salute! Tribute to America’s Veterans. Cantu, along with other Salute! members, got the inspiration for a memorial from Woodmen of the World, which dedicated the park’s flagpole in 2002.
The 911 Emergency Services Memorial, which is located in front of and incorporates the flagpole, is symbolic in nature, relating directly to the events of 9/11. With walkways representing airport runways and a water feature standing for the bravery of first responders, the Pentagon-shaped memorial is a true reminder of the horror felt by Americans five years ago. The memorial is not completely finished, but Cantu referred to the remaining work as “finishing touches.”
Speakers at the Monday’s memorial dedication included Roger Dail, director of emergency services.
”We are very blessed to have the caliber of first responders that we have,” said Dail to the ceremony’s attendees of veterans, emergency responders, local officials and residents.
Dail said that although Lenoir County has never experienced a tragedy with the magnitude of 9/11, local emergency workers experienced similar chaos in 2003 when an explosion occurred at the West Pharmaceutical Plant.
“It is very humbling to see a community come together like that,” he said.
Kevin Collier contributed to the program by singing, “The Ones Left Standing,” a song that describes the feelings experienced by many Americans after 9/11. Collier encouraged those at the ceremony to continue to join together as the country continues to deal with the affects of the terrorist attacks.
“Treacherous forces tried to tear us apart; instead they united us,” said Collier.
In closing the ceremony, Danny Rice, national director and president of Kinston Lodge 46 of Woodmen of the World, addressed the group, thanking the community for supporting the memorial.
“This is a real humbling experience,” said Rice. “I had no idea it would blossom into this special presentation.”
Robin Clayton can be reached at (252) 527-3191, Ext. 273 or rclayton@freedomenc.com.
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