Steel from Ground Zero unveiled as September 11 memorial in Rochester
9/11 memorial goes up in Rochester
On the surface, it just looked like rusted metal. But the steel block sitting at the Rochester Fire Department represents so much more.
Rochester, Mich. (FOX 2) – The unveiling of a new memorial in Rochester that honors the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks is part of several other events taking place Monday.
A fateful day etched in the minds of Americans everywhere, first responders around metro Detroit paid tribute to those who suffered 22 years ago and aided the victims of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
In Rochester, a block of metal looks like any other piece of rusting steel. But its symbolism extends beyond what meets the eye.
“Today is the first day that steel has reached its final resting place on granite,” said Rochester Fire Chief John Cieslik. “We received it last year from retired members of the New York Fire Department, so welcome to its final place of honor here at Hero Point.”
Cicelyk said it symbolizes the first responders who sacrificed themselves that day and the firefighters, paramedics and police who still do today.
“And for people to have it here in the community so they can sit and think or remember or just think about the things that everybody does every day to keep us safe,” he said.
Programs were performed around Southeast Michigan, including Campus Martius in Detroit.
