With the arrival of the 12th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks, Voorhees Township Police Chief Louis Bordi looks to create a permanent memorial in the heart of Voorhees dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We’re in the very early stages of collecting artifacts and such,” Bordi said.
Already securing a limestone block from the Pentagon and shale and soil from the crash scene of Flight 93, Bordi explained that he had just recently signed a contract with the New York City Port Authority and is awaiting word on when to pick up a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center.
“We have the area, but a lot depends on the size of the steel,” Bordi said.
Using a plot of land directly in front of the Voorhees Police Station, Bordi plans to construct the Voorhees Police Memorial Garden.
“We want to make it as nice as we can,” Bordi said. “It’s a big area.”
With a sizable plot to work with, Bordi explained that he would like to create not just a section for artifacts from the 9/11 attacks, but also for fallen military service personnel and police officers.
Bordi proposed the plans for the memorial garden in June, and with the approval of the township, has started moving forward.
“I had a lot of support from the committee, Mayor Michael Mignogna and Deputy Mayor Mario DiNatale in working with the committee in trying to get the project going,” Bordi said.
As the project gains momentum, Bordi said that he would have a more accurate date for the finish of the project, but would like to see the garden completed by next Memorial Day.
Yet, while Bordi has ideas for the unveiling and dedication ceremony, funding is currently his №1 priority.
While fundraisers for the memorial garden are still in the works, Bordi said that the police department is accepting donations toward the construction of the memorial.
Those who wish to donate can do so by calling 672–5858 and asking for Bordi.
