MIRAMAR, Fla. – Since 2011, two steel beams salvaged from the ruins of the Twin Towers in New York City have been in the city of Miramar.
Monday morning, city leaders unveiled the beams at their final resting location.
“It’s chilling when you look at those high beams and think about how they gave way,” said Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam. “We have to continue to remember that liberty is not free.”
The beams were given to the city of Miramar by the New York Port Authority with the goal of keeping the memories of the 2,996 people who lost their lives 22 years ago on 9/11 alive.
“It is a symbol of what we represent,” said Miramar Fire Rescue Chief Ray Perez.
The unveiling brought out many residents, city leaders, first responders and survivors.
“We now have a place where we can come and reflect,” said Miramar Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis.
This memorial is also special for local first responders, especially while remembering the 343 New York Fire Department lives lost that day.
“Today as we gather to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we also stand united to inaugurate a symbol of resilience, courage and unity,” said Perez.
While there was a somber tone, it was also one of resilience and honor.
Two moments of silence were held for both the north and south towers.
Local 10 News’ Calvin Hughes hosted the commemoration of the 9/11 memorial.
In Miami Gardens, a similar event was held to honor the lives lost on this day in 2001.
City councilman Robert Stephens III hosted a 9/11 memorial service at Dr. Lester B. Brown Park.
Along with the ceremony, there was an unveiling of Stop The Bleed kids, an initiative that seeks to educate people to be immediate responders and provide control of life-threatening bleeding until emergency services can arrive.
In Coral Springs, mourners reflected on that fateful day, paying their respects.
Coral Springs also displaying a plece of steel from one of the towers, given to the city in 2002.