Photo by Kasey Castillo.A new monument erected at the Canyon Lake Fire Station honors the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The monument features two towers connected by an American flag, a symbol representing the Pentagon, and a piece of rebar from to base of the World Trade Center. A bag of crushed concrete from the World Trade Center was mixed with the cement when the foundation was poured on January 26.
A ribbon-cutting held for the monument on Sunday morning included the Pledge of Allegiance, The Star Spangled Banner sung by 10-year-old Joseph Luna, a prayer by veteran Pat Ziegler, and speeches, including one by resident Art Femister, who explained how he retrieved the rebar and crushed cement from the World Trade Center.
The city placed a wreath at the monument on Memorial Day.
Coordinated by the Canyon Lake 9/11 Tribute and Patriot Day Committee’s fundraising efforts, more than $35,000 was raised for the monument through donations from community members and sponsorships from the 2022 9/11 Tribute and Patriot Day event.
In addition to the permanent monument at the fire station, $1,000 will be donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
