The Observation Deck

What was being poured today was the base of the 9/11 Monument which will end up
over 20' tall featuring two I-beams from the World Trade Center.

See:http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/wtc-steel-comes-to-lakewood-fire-department


David Nickels from the city speaks with Fire Inspector Tim Dunphy.


The pour starts as the second truck arrives.


Children from the Lakewood Hospital Day Care Facility were on a field trip and stopped by
to watch the concrete and trucks.


Level it out...


... mark it...


Joe Beno sinks in the first piece of rebar for the next level.


All ready for the next level.



More photos at: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/911-monument-build-out-1


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Lakewood crews headed by David Nickels pour the pedestal.



Two of the guys from Medina Cement stop for a picture. They were very proud at being chosen to pour this job.
Funny, you know. Everyone has been excited about their part on this project. 9-11 Patriotism, the right kind, is
not dead. I actually think it is growing, and in a very beuatiful way. Not that we are right, but looking at what
we have lost as a community and country.

More images coming.

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Forms are removed from the base.


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A massive crowd showed up for the unveiling and to share the moment.


As it should be a place to remember, and to stop and create images to be remembered.

More later!



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To me this is the story of this day. How many Lakewoodites came to see it unveiled.




Sean McDermott and daughter.


Dru Siley and son


Thousands of others









118 photos of the buildup and event at:


Related stories:
http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2011/09/07/fallen-firefighter-memorial-set-for-september-11
http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2011/05/17/911-steel-inspires-students-ideas-for-memorial

Lakewood Observer exclusive from Bill Knittel, Lakewood's Poet Laureate
As he read today.

"Freedom Rings Again And Again"

They are what we call the Memorial Beams,
Used to create this symbolic gem,
In honoring New York's Firefighters,
Three hundred and forty-four heroic men.

Also, for the heros here in Lakewood,
Who in a moment of their careers,
Lost in the line of duty,
Their lives, taken over the past years.

And think what it's done to the families,
Their parents, their children, their wives,
Leaving emptiness, where once was laughter,
They'll carry with them all of their lives.

Just imagining the total devastation,
These men of daring had to fight,
Puts their complete dedication,
In very exceptional light.

The dastardly acts of psychotic terrorists
Who took New Yorks innocents, by utter surprise,
Leaving death, ravage and wastes,
To be witnessed by millions of eyes.

We saw towering buildings,
Standing so stately and tall,
Against Skies so blue in the sunshine,
Then suddenly crumble and fall.

These heroes they entered those buildings,
Dust and smoke in their lungs and their eyes,
Witnessing screaming and falling bodies,
And hearing such heart wrenching cries.

But still they continued their mission
In that inferno of chaos and death
Rescuing, freeing and helping,
Never quitting till their very last breath.

It's many years since that tragedy happened,
On that beautiful day in September,
I know in our minds I can see it,
And the whole world will always remember.

There's no way we could ever repay them,
For a task, where they gave it their all,
Showing the highest limit of bravery,
From the moment that they got the call.

Now these beams that make up this "Memorial,"
From the towers that once stood so high,
Are symbolic of our loss and our gratitude,
And what we believe in and why.

So may God bless all of our firefighters,
Yes all the brave women and men,
Always here to serve and protects us,
So that our Freedom Rings Again and Again!

Bill Knittel
Poet Laureate of Lakewood, Ohio

PS - Let me give thanks to all of our safety forces,
Because we know they are always there,
And not forgetting their courage and bravery,
Let's remember them each day in prayer.


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22 years on...