Community backs Des Plaines' 9/11 memorial plan

Fire Chief Alan Wax and Deputy Fire Chief Ron Eilken, representing the city of Des Plaines, recently accepted a $250 check for the development of a 9/11 Memorial outside Des Plaines city hall from American Legion Post 36 Commander Roger James and Senior Vice Commander Don Meseth on behalf of the American Legion.

The memorial will feature a 114-pound steel beam remnant that came from the World Trade Center, which was attacked Sept. 11, 2001. The check will be used toward payment for the mounting of the beam onto a granite slab, which was donated, along with artwork engraving, by the Peter Troost Monument Company.

City personnel are optimistic that the memorial, highlighted by the acquisition of the beam from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will be ready for unveiling at this year's Des Plaines 9/11 Ceremony, traditionally held between the police department and city hall, 1420 Miner St.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Ron Eilken, the project's coordinator, “The development of the memorial has been a cooperative effort involving many individuals, agencies and businesses.

“In addition to the contributions by the American Legion and the Peter Troost Monument Company, Lurvey's Landscape & Design donated the stone for the memorial, Renew Autobody clear-coated the beam, firefighter/paramedic Sam Foster welded the beam, Rebel's Trophies donated a plaque, and the public works department is pouring the concrete base for the monument.

“Other monetary donations, including one from the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 2992, have also been received, and are very, very much appreciated.”

Plans are under way by the fire and police departments to coordinate the city's Sept. 11 ceremony, recognizing the 10th anniversary of the attacks on our country. As in the past, the public will be encouraged to attend this event, which generally involves emergency service personnel, veterans and local officials.

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