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Team Scott builds lasting memorial for 9/11 anniversary

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Team Scott came together on the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 to dedicate a memorial that not only symbolizes the three places where so many lost their lives, but that also incorporates a piece of the World Trade Center in its design.

The memorial consists of a planter that is shaped like the Pentagon and is constructed of Indiana limestone -- the same material used in the building's facade. Within the planter, foliage representing life is planted in soil from Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Emerging from the center are the Twin Tower replicas, made of the same type of brushed steel used on the towers. Capping off the memorial is a portion of a steel beam from the World Trade Center.

The memorial was unveiled Sept. 11 in a special ceremony in front of the 375th Air Mobility Wing Headquarters building, where it's located within the Airlift/Tanker Association's Hall of Fame walkway. More than 800 people attended the ceremony, and at the conclusion of the event they proceeded in an unexpected, but reverent and orderly manner to touch the memorial.

"It's awesome to see everyone come and touch it because that's what we wanted--a place for families at Scott to come remember and honor the victims," said Senior Master Sgt. Shannon Rix, who had the idea and worked tirelessly the past six months to make the memorial come to life. "When people come to visit the monument, I just hope that everyone takes time to think about what they were doing and how their lives have changed. I also hope they remember the victims and the families and offer a reflection."

The idea came to Rix, who is the superintendent for the 375th Communications Squadron, after she saw a similar remembrance ceremony while deployed to Afghanistan. She said she first worked with the New York Port Authority to see if Scott AFB could acquire a portion of the WTC and once she received approval, the idea was presented to the wing commander, a committee formed and the event blossomed.

The day's activities included a run/walk that included teams of service members who alternated carrying the WTC artifact on a litter. The litter was ceremonially transferred to each branch of the service whereupon the Air Force team carried it to the memorial site and served as the official beginning of the dedication ceremony.

The ceremony was highlighted by special musical numbers including bagpipes and the playing of taps, and personal remembrances from two Team Scott members--one whom lived next to the WTC and one who was working in the Pentagon that day in 2001.

"It was a team effort in which many people came together to make it happen," said Rix. "Once we knew we had our artifact, the next biggest challenge was to find a designer who would take on the project. Envisioning Green from Alton, Ill., said yes and in a matter of weeks took our idea from a sketch to this beautiful piece of artwork. We formed a lasting committee, called the 9/11 Observance Committee, and everyone has worked to raise money to pay for the cost of this memorial, and we'll keep fund-raising to support other worthy projects relating to 9/11 remembrances."

Col. Michael Hornitschek, the 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, said he was thrilled that Scott AFB now has its own place to remember and reflect.

During his remarks Sept. 11, he said, "Today, we pay tribute to the human beings who suffered or who were heroes on that day. This monument is symbol of resiliency, the resiliency of individuals, families and community; the resiliency of military members and our leaders, the resiliency of a nation."

For Hornitschek, who was stationed here on 9/11, said the memorial serves as a symbol of American accomplishment.

"We will all feel something different when we see this monument. Take your children to see it, touch it and let them read the plaque that will soon be installed. Let them understand what we stand for and what we can do as a nation. I hope that each time you look upon this monument you will be inspired by the ultimate sacrifice of others and feel compelled to do your part for freedom and this great nation. "