9-11 memorial volunteers disappointed

 

The chairman of a volunteer group to build a permanent 9-11 memorial in Oconee expressed disappointment today with the Capital Project Sales Tax Commission’s decision not to include memorial funding in a ballot question this fall. Disappointed, but not deterred is the way to describe Brandon Shirley. The assistant chief at the Keowee Fire Department says the committee remains focused on its goal to construct the memorial, honoring those who died and those who continue to serve the country as first responders and soldiers. “This will simply become a ‘peoples’ memorial,” said Shirley. The group has secured steel from the World Trade Center, cement from the Pentagon and soil from the Shanksville, Pennsylvania land where Flight 93 crashed. A memorial design has been created and the Oconee School District has deeded just more than an acre for the memorial to be located on highway 11 near the new Walhalla High School. Those interested in more information about the project may call 864/985-2446 or visit the website at mountainlakes911memorial.com.