Belleville reflects on 9/11, marks dedication of memorial’s next phase
BELLEVILLE — Ceremonies on Monday commemorated Sept. 11 and marked continuing work on a memorial to those who died in the terrorist attacks in 2001.
The Committee to Construct the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois and the city of Belleville co-hosted The Moment of Remembrance and Dedication Ceremony at the Fire Administration Building at 1125 S. Illinois St.
The ceremony included the dedication of the completion of Phase 2 of the September 11 Memorial Walkway, which features an actual column from the fallen World Trade Center. Phase 2 of the September Memorial includes a U.S. flag and flagpole, a tribute to the heroes of Flight 93, a gathering area with engraved pavers, landscaping, irrigation, and lighting throughout the site.
The guest speaker for the Moment of Remembrance Ceremony was Col. John O. Howard, installation commander, Scott Air Force Base and Commander, 375th Air Mobility Wing.
A Memorial Walkway timeline will tell the story of what happened on 9/11, including events at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey authorized delivery to the city of Belleville a September 11, 2001, World Trade Center artifact. The city took possession of the 35.25-foot-long steel column weighing approximately 7,100 pounds for the creation of the September 11th Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois.
People can support the Memorial Walkway with tax-deductible donation. All proceeds benefit the Memorial. The September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois is a sub-committee of the Belleville Cultural Enrichment Organization, an Illinois 501 (c) 3, Not-for-Profit Corporation. The donations will help complete a lasting place of remembrance, reflection. Donations may be sent to September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois, P.O. Box 7913, Belleville, IL 62222.
For more information on the Sept. 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois, visit www.wtcmemorial.us or call (618) 233-6518, x1245.
