This morning marks the 11^th anniversary of the day unarmed Americans were attacked by enemy forces in New York City.  It will forever more be known as 9-11.  Today, I remembered the fallen at Winston Patrick McGregor Park in Cleburne, Texas at a groundbreaking for an Honor Monument designed to honor all Johnson County’s first responders: Fire, Police, and Veterans.

With close to 100 others we listened to the Star Spangled Banner and looked on as the vocalist stood next to a 12 foot steel I-beam salvaged from the North Tower World Trade Center.  It was a somber moment.  Several dignitaries were present and shared their personal thanks and memories of that day.  The most moving to me was Senator Brian Birdwell.  With the flags blowing in the wind, he thanked God that he survived the morning of 9-11-2001.  He was in the Pentagon when the plane hit.

The ceremony concluded with the groundbreaking of the Johnson County Honor Monument; a collaborative effort between BRW Architects, Jaster Quintanilla , Johnson County, the City of Cleburne Fire Department and Sculptor, Jeff Gottfried, among other local companies. The monument commemorates first responders with three Precast honed walls highlighted with an inlay of black granite ribbon that provides a back drop for three bronze sculptures. The focal point is the warped piece of 9-11 steel suspended by two dark vertical structures.  The park setting provides shaded seating areas, commemorative plaques, a granite and concrete walkway with a timeline commemorating fallen officers.  The Monument will also serve to commemorate those who served the country in the days, weeks and years following 9/11.

Click here to watch a video of the groundbreaking provided by the Cleburne Times Review.

POSTED BY: MALIA NIX