What started years ago as an idea to honor victims of the 9-11 attacks finally came to fruition in Endwell Friday evening. Vince Briga explains why the multi-year project means so much to so many.
ENDWELL, N.Y. -- One Broome County community unveiled a new memorial to honor the victims of 9/11 Friday. A remembrance garden in Highland Park in Endwell now displays a steel beam from one of the World Trade Center towers.
For many Americans, it's a day that will stay in their memory forever.
Dorothy Bachman remembers working at Maine-Endwell High School when she heard the news that the World Trade Center had been struck.
"We just kind of stopped there for a few minutes and looked at each other and could not believe what had happened, but then the classroom bell rang and we had to go on," said Dorothy Bachman, Tri Cities Women's Club president.
That "go on" attitude is exactly what inspired a group of individuals to search for a way to honor the thousands of men and women who lost their lives that day.
After years of work, they were able to create a remembrance garden in Highland Park, featuring two towers, as well as a steel beam that came straight from the World Trade Center.
Organizers of the monument hope it gives visitors a place to reflect.
"There have been a lot of adults here with younger children. It's a part of history but it's also so much a part of life. This was a day showed us how valuable life is and how it can come and go," said Union Town Supervisor Rose Sotack.
Councilman Robert Mack, who was tasked with the project, wanted to make sure he paid close attention to detail.
The steel beam is placed in the center of the towers, facing Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the area where U.S Air Flight 93 crashed.
The towers are also placed inside of a granite pentagon, honoring the U.S Pentagon that was also targeted in the attacks.
"People do not forget. It's in our hearts. It's just a powerful day that we should always remember," said Mack.
Residents hope the monument serves not only as a reminder of the lives lost, but also as an inspiration to keep moving forward.
The Town of Union says it will add more to the monument as the years go on.