By Nina Culver
The Spokesman Review
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Wording has been selected for the plaque that will be installed next to a steel beam from the World Trade Center towers in the new Spokane Valley Fire Department administration building under construction. The beam dedication ceremony is scheduled for 6:59 a.m. on Sept. 11, the exact time the first tower fell.
The department asked community members to suggest wording on the plaque and on Monday fire commissioners voted for their favorite, which was actually a combination of two of the eight entries received. Each entry was numbered so commissioners could cast their vote.
“I think all of these are great,” said Commissioner Joe Dawson. “That No. 4 really stuck out for me.” The other commissioners quickly agreed.
The winning entry was submitted by Mark Hill, a captain at the Greenacres Fire Station. It reads: “Let this beam of rigid steel formed of the hands of men not represent the human atrocities committed on Sept. 11, 2001. Let it instead stand to bear witness to the strength of our resolve as a nation of people. Let it hold silent vigil and remind us all of the brave men and women who will be there for us in a time of need.”
Since the entry didn’t include any identifying information, the commissioners voted to add a portion of another entry. It reads: “This beam from the World Trade Center, forged by steel from fire, was placed here on 9-11-2011 by the hands of our community.”
Copyright 2011 Spokane Spokesman-Review