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City Breaks Ground on 9/11 Monument

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The City of Apopka and Boy Scout Christian Lamphere broke ground today on the site of the 9/11 monument located in the front of Apopka City Hall.

Lamphere is building the memorial to earn his Eagle Scout rank. The City of Apopka and private contractors are assisting in the effort. The project will be dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that included 343 New York firefighters and 71 police officers.

Mayor Joe Kilsheimer pointed out the special relationship Apopka has to Lamphere and the timeless symbol of this monument.

Mayor Kilsheimer: "This monument will be with us forever." Mayor Kilsheimer: "This monument will be with us forever."[/caption]

"It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child," said Kilsheimer. "And although Christian's parents did a good job with him, it takes all of us. Christian wasn't born when 9-11 occurred, but this idea of a 9/11 monument was his, and it will be with us here forever. We applaud his efforts."

The memorial will feature a piece of the original World Trade Center acquired and donated by Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez and her husband, Ed (both retired New York police detectives who were in New York during the tragic events of Sept. 11).

Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley remembered the events of September 11th, 2001 and praised Lamphere.

“Today is a day to take a moment and reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We will never forget that day and the nearly 3000 individuals that lost their lives.We will always remember the 71 courageous law enforcement personnel and 343 fearless firefighters that lost their lives trying to save those trapped and injured. Although we will reflect on the events of 9/11 we are here today to recognize the courageous effort of a young man who has taken on an immense endeavor to create a monument that will forever honor those who lost their lives on that horrific day. After the events of September 11th our country united and today thanks to the efforts of young Christian Lamphere, Commissioner Velazquez and her husband Ed, our community has come together to see the beginning of Christians dream become a reality."

The monument installation is scheduled to be completed before September 11th, 2016.

 

Boy Scouts, Christian Lamphere, City of Apopka, Mayor Joe Kilsheimer, Police Chief Michael McKinley

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