Brownsburg 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies
Unlike Any Before or After

• • At 10am the 9/11 Memorial at Arbuckle Commons was dedicated 

    • A group of speakers from local public safety and Brownsburg Town Government talked about the importance of the memorial.

  • Firefighters remained with the Memorial during the day

    • Brownsburg Fire Marshall Steve Jones, Deputy Fire Marshall Tony Smith, Jim Miller and others stayed at the memorial site to answer questions from those who visited the memorial during the day.

  • At Sunset about 8pm a second ceremony held to retire the flag 

    • Brownsburg Fire Marshall Steve Jones led the program
      Moment of Silence
      National Anthem
      Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes
      Retirement of the 9/11 Memorial Flag

  • Learn how to contribute to the 9/11 Memorial Fund at the end of this article

  • Technical Description of the Memorial Artifact from the WTC Artifacts Program

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September 11th 2019 — Content by the Editor, and the Brownsburg Fire Territory

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At 10am the 9/11 Memorial at Arbuckle Commons was dedicated 

 

” You know on that shocking day when our country was attacked, we lost over 2700 individuals at three sites. The World Trade Center North Tower, the World Trade Center South Tower, and the Pentagon. And on four different flights American Airlines Flight 11 and 77, United Airlines 175 and 93. The overall count includes 37 Port Authority officers, 343 fellow fire fighters from New York’s Fire Department, and 23 New York Police officers. For whom number of deaths continue to rise from toxic exposure.  We must never forget the sacrifices made. ” — Brownsburg Fire Territory Chief Larry Alcorn speaking at the 10 am Brownsburg 9/11 Memorial Dedication 

Chief Alcorn went on to convey his thanks to the four Brownsburg Firemen who had the original idea, drove to New York city to select this particular salvaged artifact, noting their determination which culminated in the memorial dedicated Sept 11, 2019– Ryan Miller, Jim Miller, Donnie Ross, and Alex Brand.  The Chief also extended his sincere appreciation to other citizens, donors of either time or money, large and small, and everywhere in between, without whose support, their dream would not have become reality. 

The Chief closed his remarks by answering a question he was often asked. “Why a memorial, what is the purpose?”

“This artifact speaks not of September 11th but of September 12 as we woke from the fire and ash. Here we see a steel bone raised again to the sky our symbol barer of fortitude, a reminder that we are not who we once were, but we are not undone. So take a lesson that can be taken that can only be found in such memories as those shared here today, carry them in your lives be inspired to rise and go forth.”  — Brownsburg Fire Territory Chief Larry Alcorn speaking at the 10 am Brownsburg 9/11 Memorial Dedication 

 

 

“I’ve been asked to specifically address the law enforcement deaths that occurred on that fateful day. In addition to the thousands of innocent civilians that perished on that day, the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 caused more law enforcement line of duty deaths than any other single incident American history. One officer was killed in the United flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville in Pennsylvania; as he and other passengers attempted to regain control of the plane from the hijackers. 71 additional officers were killed when the two World Trade Center buildings collapsed in New York City. Dozens more have passed away in the years following 2001 as a direct result of illnesses contracted while working in the hazardous conditions immediately following the attacks on New York.

It is truly an honor to be part of the history and recognition of the number of public safety officials which graciously made that ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, our state, our county, and our town.” — Brownsburg Police Department Major Andrew Watts speaking at the 10 am Brownsburg 9/11 Memorial Dedication 

Major Watts went on to express his appreciation to all those who had the vision and the dedication to create the monument. A tool he felt could be used as reminder to all who pass by, the sacrifices made on that fateful day. He encouraged the public to bring their children, grand children and extended family to bring them to this site. As a reminder of the resolve our country displayed as in his words “she picked herself up”.

Jim Miller, a firefighter with the Brownsburg Fire Territory, talked about the path that the Fire Territory took over the last decade to bring the memorial to Brownsburg.  He recounted that ten years ago, he had written a letter to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to obtain a salvaged artifact from the attack on the World Trade Center. The objective was to simply establish a relatively small monument that would likely be constructed at one of the Brownsburg Fire stations to keep alive the memory of the sacrifice of the 343 firefighters that were killed at the World Trade Center.  After a few months, the federal court granted the allocation of an artifact to Brownsburg Fire Territory. 

When it came time to take possession of the artifact, four Brownsburg Firefighters drove to Hangar 17 at JFK airport to retrieve the piece of the World Trade Center allocated to Brownsburg.  The firefighters brought a US flag with them to retrieve the artifact. The flag was draped over the artifact when they loaded it on to the trailer and it stayed on the artifact in some part for the next ten years.  The flag was not removed from the artifact until a few months ago when the artifact arrived at the monument site.  After the artifact was brought to Brownsburg, it was kept on the trailer and over the next nine years would do its work by going to different community events as a tool to help us remember the events of September 11^th, 2001. 

Why did it take so long? Over the years, there were people that expressed some opposition and in the end the community involvement helped the Fire Territory with the design and location of the monument. Jim Miller stated, “So it took a little longer than expected I have to admit but the result was the right design in the right location for the right reason.”  The final design presents the artifact substantially like it was located in the structure a floor beam which carried the load above carried by two columns. The structure has been carefully oriented that it points to New York City if you follow a line north northeast from the artifact. The memorial continues the commitment that many of us have made to never forget the events of September 11, 2001.

Hanger 17 — Brownsburg’s and other salvaged artifacts were originally stored at Hanger 17 at JFK airport. The item which would later become Brownsburg’s Memorial is in this picture lower right corner, second left. The memories of steel structures whose original purpose was twisted beyond recognition, numerous burned out and/or crushed emergency vehicles, stored along side other untouched items. Messages left on items to fallen comrades and loved ones, discussions with the people the four fire fighters met during their journey, have left an indelible mark each man carries with them to this day. 

An example of one of two large storyboards to be installed at a later date.  They will detail the events of the day, and the impact the attacks has had on the lives of all Americans. The storyboards were composed to memorialize brave sacrifices, honor lives lost, and educate future generations. 

An example of one of two large storyboards to be installed at a later date.  They will detail the events of the day, and the impact the attacks has had on the lives of all Americans. The storyboards were composed to memorialize brave sacrifices, honor lives lost, and educate future generations.  

Both storyboards, are planned to be installed at the base of the flagpole. In addition  benches will be added to allow people to read, review, and reflect on this moment in our nation’s history.

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Firefighters remained with the Memorial during the day

Yes, that’s right.  The Brownsburg 9/11 Memorial is positioned a bit odd on the site.  However, the site surveyors took great care to align our monument with the World Trade Center site in New York City.  Follow the line made by our artifact far enough, it will take you there. 

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The traditional observance took place as well. The flag was flown over Main Street, at the main fire station, from sunrise to sunset.

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At Sunset about 8pm a second ceremony held to retire the flag. 

 

 

They were inseparable for nearly 10 years. The flag which originally draped over and escorted the artifact since selection, transport from New York JFK to Brownsburg.  In and out of storage for various events. Finally to be flown near by the monument’s final resting place.  Now retired, the flag will be placed on permanent display at the Brownsburg Fire Territory Headquarters. 

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It’s not too late to contribute to the Brownsburg 9/11 Memorial!

Follow the link below to purchase a t shirt in support of the Memorial. Multiple sizes, and colors available!  https://www.customink.com/fundraising/911mac

Donations are being managed through the Hendricks County Community Foundation. If you’d like to donate outside of purchasing a t-shirt, please visit: www.hendrickscountycf.org, click on the DONATE button, choose “Existing Fund,” and select 9-11 Memorial Arbuckle Commons. Alternatively, checks may be made out to Brownsburg Fire Territory with “9-11 Memorial Arbuckle Commons” in the Memo line and mailed to: HCCF, 6319 East U.S. Highway 36, Suite 211, Avon, IN 46123. Thank you for your consideration and generous support.

Additional information regarding the Brownsburg 9/11 Memorial is found >>HERE<<
Where is the Memorial? See the map below.

  — This section’s content via Brownsburg Fire Territory & Brownsburg 9/11 Memorial

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For additional information contact:

Firefighter Jim Miller
Public Information Officer
Headquarters & Training Facility
470 East Northfield Drive
Brownsburg, Indiana 46112
Main  – (317) 852-1190 
Office Administrative Hours – Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

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