By MELISSA DIPENTO
Flanked by Cherry Hill police officers and firefighters, Mayor Bernie Platt announced yesterday the township’s plans to erect a permanent memorial in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
“Ten years ago on September 11, 2001 our country was forever changed. What started as a beautiful Tuesday morning saw one of the most stunning, chilling displays of hatred and violence ever carried out on American soil. More than 3,000 men and women lost their lives on Sept. 11,” Platt said.
“And for several years now, the township and members of the police and fire department have been search for a fitting way to permanently pay tribute here in Cherry Hill.”
The township is planning a September unveiling.
Firefighter Raymond Reis was directed by Chief Robert Giorgio to coordinate the memorial, which will be permanently housed in front of the Fire Administration Building on Marlkress Road.
The township, through the work of its firefighters, was able to acquire a 3 foot long piece of steel from the World Trade Center’s North Tower. The WTC steel will be prominently utilized in the memorial, officials said.
Platt told the audience that the township, at this point, is planning to fund the memorial entirely on donations. The estimated cost of the memorial is $60,000.
Platt handed Reis a check for $1,000, being the first person to add to the memorial fund.
Residents and local businesses are invited to donate to the cause through a secure Web site, www.cherryhillfire.org/memorial.asp.
Be sure to check back for more on the 9–11 memorial.
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