Evesham township to unveil 9/11 memorial on Sept. 27 during Harvest Fest
Evesham Township will be honoring the souls lost in the historically tragic September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The long-awaited memorial, displaying a piece of steel recovered from Ground Zero, will be dedicated on Sept. 27 at noon at the Main Street Firehouse.
In October 2012, the township received a 1,300 pound section of the World Trade Center’s steel from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. On Sept. 27, it will be dedicated to the victims of the terror attacks.
“The twisted steel really strikes a chord with me, or anyone, who takes the time to remember the events that transpired that clear day in September,” Mayor Randy Brown said. “The memorial is physical and personal. Residents and visitors will be able to touch the consequences of violence. They’ll remember the victims, the fire-rescue heroes and the families affected by this tragedy.”
The steel is displayed, standing tall, in front of the Main Street firehouse for residents and visitors to pay their respects.
Evesham Township resident Leroy Homer went down with Flight 93 over Shanksville, Pa., he was one of the pilots.
“Leroy’s death was a heartbreaking loss for the entire community,” Brown said. “When he and his wife lived in Evesham, they were active community members. September 11 was a multi-layered tragedy for our town.”
Brown emphasized educating the township’s children on the Sept. 11 tragedy is a major goal of the project.
“We have children who were born into a post-9/11 world, many of whom may not understand the gravity of the attacks,” Brown said, noting educating all kids, including his two young girls, Ryan and Mackenzie, is always in the back of his mind. “If we educate our youth on the past, they will have a better future.”
The communication of the message will come from the careful design and construction of the memorial. The memorial will stand as a bold symbol that America emerged from the tragedy of 9/11 stronger than ever, standing firm against terrorism.
“We hope our residents will visit the memorial with their family and have meaningful conversations about an event that changed the makeup of our world,” Brown said. “We’re proud to remember those lost on September 11, 2001, as they are to be remembered, respected and honored.”
