9/11 Memorial Plaque

What if bronze could speak? What stories would it whisper of sacrifice, resilience, and remembrance? Here at the 9/11 Memorial, a bronze bas-relief, more than just metal, tells a story. The 9/11 Memorial, a powerful tribute, resides on the firehouse wall across from where the Twin Towers once stood. This 56-foot-long, six-foot-high artwork isn’t just a memorial; it’s a narrative etched in metal. It speaks of the 343 firefighters who rushed towards danger on that fateful day. It remembers Glenn J. Winuk, a lawyer who, as a volunteer firefighter, raced from his office to help, ultimately giving his life. The 9/11 Memorial captures the searing image of the burning towers, the second plane a chilling backdrop. It portrays scenes of firefighters battling the blaze, their faces grim, yet determined. It lists the names of every fallen firefighter, a number that tragically surpassed all previous FDNY line-of-duty deaths combined. The 9/11 Memorial was born from a unique collaboration. It emerged from the desire of the Holland & Knight law firm to honor their fallen colleague, Glenn Winuk. It grew from the efforts of Brian and Cheryl Starer, a couple connected to the firm, and the generosity of the entire Holland & Knight family. Their combined contributions totaled $530,000, transforming a vision into this powerful tribute. The story intertwines with the “Ice Fund”. Cheryl Starer, volunteering at a Ground Zero triage center, realized ice was desperately needed for burns. Brian Starer, along with three ice companies, ensured 20 tons of ice were delivered daily, free of charge, for a month. The remaining Ice Fund money, through the vision of Brian Starer, became the seed for the 9/11 Memorial. It was originally intended for a fire truck but, with the guidance of fire officials, became this enduring tribute. The 9/11 Memorial’s creation was an odyssey. The law firm, along with FDNY Assistant Chief Harold Meyers, collaborated with the Rambusch Company, experts in metalwork. Sculptor Joseph Petrovics, after initial hesitation, accepted the daunting task. He meticulously crafted the figures, capturing the essence of the firefighters’ courage. The bronze panels were cast at the Bidi-Makky Art Foundry in Brooklyn. Each 7,000-pound section was carefully transported to Manhattan, finally taking its place on the firehouse wall. The dedication ceremony was a somber event. President Bush, Governor Pataki, and Mayor Bloomberg participated remotely. The families of the fallen firefighters and Glenn Winuk were present, their grief palpable. The words emblazoned on the 9/11 Memorial resonate: “Dedicated to those who fell and to those who carry on. May we never forget.” These words, etched in bronze, serve as a constant reminder of sacrifice, heroism, and the enduring spirit of a city that will never forget.