Background
September 11, 2001 was a day all Americans remember where they were, what they were doing and how their lives were impacted when the world stopped turning. Images of that day were literally unbelievable but continue to run through our thoughts 8 years later. In a matter of minutes, two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City, one more into the Pentagon and another into a Pennsylvania field, totaling 2,976 victims from over 90 countries.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has been storing pieces of steel saved from the WTC. Currently they are allowing governments, government agencies, city leaders, fire, and police departments to submit proposals to have pieces of the saved steel for memorial tributes throughout the world. The Port Authority has received approximately 400 requests for consideration of which over 200 have been reviewed to date. Requests have been received from organizations within all states except Hawaii and several international locations. Several memorials have been or are in the process of being built throughout the United States. Requirements for the steel artifacts entail using the piece in a memorial setting that is open to the public and will not be used for personal collections or fundraisers. The memorials will provide a place for honor, reflection, empathy, remembrance and education for future generations. In addition, these memorials will benefit communities by providing meaningful places which will enhance tourism.
Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue (CKF&R) submitted a proposal to the Port Authority and the September 11th Families Association requesting a piece of steel from the WTC for use as an artifact. On
September 28, 2009, CKF&R received confirmation that their request had been approved! CKF&R has had initial discussions with the Port Authority to determine the desired size and shape of steel desired. Once the steel is selected, transportation must be arranged and provided to move the steel to Silverdale. The goals of the Kitsap County 9-11 memorial is to use the WTC steel to honor the lives lost and educate future generations about the events and the acts of heroism that took place both on September 11, 2001 and the days following. The 9-11 memorial will be competed by September 11, 2011 at which time a ten-year remembrance service will be held.
CKF&R has established a 9-11 memorial committee comprised of representatives from fire and law enforcement departments, the CK chamber of commerce, elected officials, and community members. The committee will identify possible locations for the memorial and decide upon the location. The committee will also determine the conceptual design and size of the monument, approve the final design, and manage project construction. Leadership Kitsap's Team Serendipitous will have a liaison who attends all committee meetings to report the progress of the Leadership Kitsap team project.
