HUMMELS WHARF - Objects from the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93 memorial site will be displayed at the Hummels Wharf Fire Department as part of a Sept. 11 dedication ceremony today, and it's generating some strong emotions.
"Whenever someone touches a piece, it sends shivers through their spine. This is a piece of history, and I'm holding it, and it's ours," Deputy Fire Chief John "Jack" Grove said.
The memorial, which consists of a 4-foot beam from the towers, a piece of limestone from the Pentagon rubble and a pile of soil from the Pennsylvania crash site, will include two, seven-foot tall towers made of concrete blocks with bronze plaques paying tribute to those who responded to the attacks and those who still sacrifice their own safety in emergencies.
"It is something we'll have forever," Grove added.
The proposed memorial was designed by fire company member David Musser. DB Construction will construct the memorial free of charge on either side of the trucking doors facing Mill Road.
The beam will be enclosed in double-paned glass in the middle of the two towers with the limestone and the soil in a patriotic urn. Lighting and security cameras will also be installed.
The piece of steel was ordered specially from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Grove admitted he wasn't sure if they would be able to acquire the soil or limestone, but ultimately were sent the pieces.
The ceremony will start at 1:30 p.m. at the station at 1869 N. Old Trail. Gabby Pagano will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Hero" by Mariah Carey. State Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27) and state Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) are scheduled to speak.
Following the ceremony, there will be a pig roast and chicken barbecue.