343 firefighters lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Seven firefighters from Wilmington, North Carolina have died in the line of duty. WHQR’s Rachel Lewis Hilburn reports that construction begins soon on one new memorial designed to honor to multiple acts of heroism – on 9-11 --- and right here in the Port City.
The memorial will take the shape of a fire helmet. In the center: a six foot bronze firefighter will hold up a piece of steel taken from the World Trade Center collapse. Seven bronze statues in the form of a helmet, ax, and boots will adorn the outer edges.
“And each one of these monuments is in honor of a fallen Wilmington firefighter. We’ve had seven firefighters that have fallen since the department started in 1897.”
Fire Department spokesman David Hines also says there will be garden spots, restful benches, and shade trees for reflection.
At the groundbreaking ceremony at Empie Park Fire Station, Wilmington Fire Chief Buddy Martinette and City Councilwoman Laura Padgett will offer brief remarks.
Then: a moment of silence will be followed by a ringing of the bell for the seven members of the WFD who died in the line of duty.
This groundbreaking marks the start of fundraising and construction efforts for the two-hundred fifty-thousand dollar memorial. Officials say they hope to complete the project by next year – in time for a dedication at the 12th anniversary of September 11th.
MORE INFORMATION:
The ceremony takes place Tuesday, September 11th at 11 AM at the Empie Park Fire Station which is located 3403 Park Avenue in Wilmington. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
To learn more about the memorial or make a contribution, click on this link
0r visit https://wfdfirefightersmemorial.org/
