KENNEWICK, Wash. – Residents gathered at the Southridge Sports Complex to honor the memory of the 9/11 attacks with a monument crafted from over 30 feet of steel from the World Trade Center.
This monument stands as a testament to resilience and unity. Kennewick Police Commander Isaac Merkl shared his personal recollections of the day, saying, “I still remember my father, a 30 year law enforcement officer, coming into my room, waking me up and telling, telling me we’ve been attacked.”
He described the lasting impact, “It was very impactful, it’s impacted a lot of people throughout the nation.”
The monument, which features 35 feet of steel, serves as a constant reminder of the events of 9/11.
Commander Merkl emphasized the importance of remembering the unity that followed the attacks, stating, “It was inspiring to see America rise after that, though, and that American spirit and unity, that occurred after so today it’s important that I feel that we remember all that. We don’t lose sight of that, especially, especially today.”
Kennewick’s Recreation Manager, Brandon Lang, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to display such a significant piece of history. “I want people to know that this is a piece of American history. It was a dark day for our country, but we truly never need to forget,” he said.
He also noted the uniqueness of the monument, saying, “we’re one of only a couple hundred cities to get this monument or to get a monument like this. We have one of the more impressive ones, and so it resembles the Twin Towers…”
The monument was a collaborative effort, with local businesses contributing materials such as rock, flowers and fabrication.
Kennewick’s values of sacrifice, honor and public service are reflected in the monument, according to Dana Dollarhyde, Communications Specialist with the City of Kennewick. “I really think that this monument is a reflection, not only of our values here at the city of Kennewick of sacrifice, honor, public service. But really, our community as a whole,” she said.
The steel, once a part of the World Trade Center, now stands as a symbol of freedom and a reminder of the resilience of the American spirit.
For more information about the local monument, click here.
