In the early spring of 2010, Deputy Fire Chief Robert Buxton read an article that would set in motion a remarkable tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The article announced that steel from the World Trade Center buildings would be available for memorials dedicated to those lost on that fateful day. What followed was a remarkable journey of community spirit, determination, and resilience that resulted in the creation of the Hudson 9/11 Memorial in Benson's Park, New Hampshire.

A Community United

The Hudson 9/11 Memorial stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration. Fire Captain David Morin took the initiative to contact the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, requesting a piece of steel from the World Trade Center for a memorial dedicated to Hudson resident David Kovalcin. David Kovalcin was one of the passengers tragically lost on Flight 11, which struck Tower One (North Tower), killing thousands.

Immediately, a 9/11 Memorial Committee was formed, comprising firefighters, police officers, public workers, town officials, and residents. Remarkably, within the first 15 minutes of their first meeting, the Committee had sketched the design of the proposed memorial on a napkin and approved it. This was the beginning of a journey that would unite the Hudson community in a remarkable effort to honor the memory of 9/11 victims.

A Race Against Time

The journey to create the Hudson 9/11 Memorial faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and tight timelines. The Committee worked diligently throughout the next year to raise funds for the memorial. Initially, construction companies were contacted to build the memorial, but it became clear that the cost would exceed the budget, and time constraints would prevent completion for the anticipated dedication on September 11, 2011.

With only two weeks left until the scheduled dedication date, the Committee, along with numerous volunteers and the town's Public Works Department, decided to take matters into their own hands. They cleared the land for the memorial, working tirelessly from early morning until sunset on their days off and weekends. Despite the unexpected challenge of Hurricane Irene just days before the dedication, volunteers persevered, laying thousands of feet of sod grass around the memorial.

A Symbolic Tribute

On May 12, 2011, a caravan of fire and police department vehicles, along with a donated flatbed tractor trailer, traveled to Queens, New York, to pick up a 23-foot-long, several-thousand-pound piece of steel from Tower One's 23rd-floor elevator shaft. This steel beam became the centerpiece of the Hudson 9/11 Memorial.

The memorial is located on a hill inside Hudson's Benson Park, and the steel beam reaches towards the sky, symbolizing hope and resilience. The walkway through the memorial is shaped like the flight path of the plane that struck the Pentagon, and it is lined with markers engraved with the time of each event. The granite stones represent the timeline of the events that took place on that fateful day, while the surrounding grass symbolizes the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where another plane crashed.

The memorial is designed in the shape of a Pentagon, and the steel beam, along with the tower built next to it, faces the same direction as the original Twin Towers. Unlike some memorials meant solely for observation, visitors are encouraged to reach out their hands and touch the steel, fostering a sense of connection and reflection.

Honoring the Heroes

The Hudson 9/11 Memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders and the enduring impact of the 9/11 attacks. It's not just a tribute to those who lost their lives on that tragic day but also to the military personnel who served to ensure such events would never happen again. Many victims, rescue workers, and construction workers continue to suffer from the lasting effects of the attacks.

The memorial is a place where visitors from near and far can come together to remember, reflect, and honor the memories of the fallen heroes. Each year, on September 11th, the Hudson community gathers at the memorial to ensure that "We May Never Forget."

Conclusion

The Hudson 9/11 Memorial in Benson's Park is a poignant and powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of a community that came together to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It stands as a symbol of resilience, unity, and remembrance, ensuring that the memory of that tragic day lives on for generations to come.