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DEWITT 9/11 MEMORIAL MONUMENT
You are invited to visit the 9/11 Memorial and display at the DeWitt Town Hall on Butternut Drive.  The monument is illuminated from dusk to dawn every day.

September 11, 2001 is a day our nation will never forget.  On that date, nineteen terrorists attacked New York City and Washington DC using American planes loaded with fuel as their weapon of choice to strike the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  Another strike was prevented through the heroism of the passengers who crashed this plane in a field in Pennsylvania.  Over 3000 people lost their lives – including several from the Town of DeWitt. One of the darkest days in our history also marked a resurgence of America’s proud, fierce and indomitable spirit.  Many heroes were born on that fateful day and many heroes died.  In a small way, we all became heroes because we cared so much for our fellow Americans.  We exchanged ideas on how we could mark this date that changed America and honors the victims and heroes of 9/11 so that they will never be forgotten.

In November 2001, a group of people in DeWitt embarked upon a project to obtain a piece of debris from the World Trade Center to create a memorial to the victims of 9/11. They were able to obtain a battered and twisted steel column, 21 feet high weighing approximately 6 tons.  The force of the collapse and intense heat bent the column causing it to list about four degrees in the direction it fell.  The steel plates jutting from the side where the floor supports were attached were cut free with a torch to release it from other wreckage.  Bronze plaques are mounted on this area.  The top is crowned with a sculpture of two textured stainless steel flames representing the twin towers of the WTC signifying light and hope for the future – two beacons of freedom, reminders that united we stand.

Many visitors have left endearing memorabilia of flags, poetry, flowers, photographs and other miscellaneous artifacts at this monument in tribute to those who lost their lives on that fateful day.  After a reasonable time, these items are removed to a permanent display in the lobby of the Town Hall.  Also in the display is a Memorial Book of Honor listing all the victims of 9/11/01 as well as the names of all those who have contributed to this memorial

Thousands have visited this site since its dedication on 9/11/02.  Over one thousand residents and businesses generously donated the funds, materials and services that enabled this memorial to be constructed. 

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