Sep 11 2008
United We Stand in Winslow Arizona
The town of Winslow, Arizona, on old Route 66 is far removed from New York City. Geographically anyway. Winslow is home to one of the first memorials to the tragic events of September 11, 2001 that have been established throughout the United States.
Winslow’s memorial, the 9-11 Remembrance Garden, was established on the one-year anniversary of 9/11. City officials wanted to do something, so they drew up plans for a memorial in their town. They heard that pieces of the World Trade Center were available for use in such memorials, and they wanted to try and obtain a couple of smaller pieces. Because of this, their plans had to be submitted to New York City for approval.
The officials in New York City liked Winslow’s proposal, and told them they could have two steel girders from the WTC towers. Most of the girders available for use in memorials were 2-3 feet long, but Winslow was getting larger pieces. In fact, they were getting the largest pieces available – 14 & 15 foot beams. The only catch was that Winslow had to get the girders from New York to Arizona.
Because their plan was approved only days before the 1st anniversary, and the town wanted to have the memorial ready on 9/11, they started looking at every means available to transport the beams. Finally, the town was able to get help from a nearby Wal-Mart distribution center, who agreed to take a truck to NYC, pick up the beams, and get them back to Winslow in time.
Once the beams arrived in Winslow, volunteers worked furiously to get the memorial ready for its dedication on 9/11/2002. The two girders are erected side by side in an eerie resemblance to the towers themselves. Overhead, a flag that flew over the Pentagon flies proudly over the memorial, and a plaque rests between the two girders. The plaque reads:
“These two steel beams from the World Trade Center, entrusted to the citizens of Winslow by the City of New York, along with this flag that was flown at the Pentagon, stand as the centerpiece of our Remembrance Garden. The words “United We Stand” remind the world that we will not fear terrorism. We hereby dedicate this Garden to Northern Arizona’s promise that ‘WE WILL NEVER FORGET’”
Winslow’s 9-11 Remembrance Garden is located at the corner of Route 66 and Transcon Lane. A memorial service is held there each year on the anniversary of 9/11.
