Over the past several months, Township elected officials and Township staff have been diligently working and planning for the arrival of a very special artifact for new memorial in the Township. Currently stored in an aircraft hanger at the New York's JFK International Airport, pieces of the World Trade Center destroyed in the 9/11/01 attacks have been collected and and made available to select public entities for the purpose of paying tribute to the civilians and first responders lost during the attacks.
Manhiem Township applied to receive one of the artifacts for its own memorial last year. Thanks in part to cooperation with the New York Port Authority, assistance from Congressman Joe Pitts' office, High Industries, High Steel and High Transit, on June 21, 2011 the Township's artifact was delivered to the memorial site. The Township's steel beam from the WTC is approximately 15-foot-long and ways nearly 3 tons.
The steel beam was welcomed by Township officials at the Overlook Community Campus early Tuesday afternoon at a location behind the Manheim Township Public Library. Delivery of the beam completes the second phase of the memorial project effort. The next phase of the project will involve construction of a structure to properly hold the beam, and a walkway and view platform that will allow visitors of the Overlook Community Campus an opportunity to see the memorial area. The site will receive a U.S. flag and a plaque marking the site. Future lighting, landscaping and similar park amenities will serve the area, which may host other community and family memorials when completed.
It is anticipated that the WTC memorial area will be completed over the next three months, with an official dedication ceremony planned for around Sept. 11, the 10th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The Township's Community Day is set for September 10, 2011.. The project is very unique and special and it is hoped the project will not cost taxpayers any money. Work being planned so far has been done through in-kind donations and donated services. More information about these opportunities will be posted on the web site.