Nearly 3,000 American flags have been placed outside the Forest Junction Fire Department in honor of those killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The memorial serves as a reminder to never forget that day 14 years ago, when planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.
One-by-one, the flags are planted in rows of red, white and blue.
“People do tend to forget. It was 14 years ago. This is just a good way for people to come out and pay their respects to those who lost their lives,” said organizer Frank Beach. “There’s 2,977 who lost their lives and didn’t come home that day.”
Some of the volunteers planting flags are too young to remember that day. Others were not born.
“Being only two years old when 9/11 happened, I don’t remember seeing the shock on the TV, but I grew to learn that 9/11 was a big day and we need to remember and respect it,” said volunteer Katharina Keller.
“I wanted to make sure everybody knew about people who died,” said volunteer Hannah Berghuis. “I think it’s important everyone knows how important this is.”
When the project is complete, it will be a powerful visual of all the people who lost their lives that day.
“I think it’s very powerful. To see 2,977 flags, that’s a count of all the people who lost their life that day,” said Jon Beach, Forest Junction firefighter.
The names of the victims of the 9/11 attacks are listed on a sign, and the memorial will feature powerful images of that day.
“There’s an image on that board. He’s just sitting on the curb with his head down, all of his buddies just died in that tower. I think that really signifies it and puts it into perspective,” Jon Beach said.
The flags will be on display throughout the week and lit at night.
It’s a place of reflection and a reminder to never forget.
