On Monday, Sept. 11, at 9:00 a.m. the Clay Fire Territory, South Bend and Mishawaka Fire Department will partner together and perform the “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony at the 9-11 Memorial, located in St. Patrick’s County Park.
The memorial sculpture commemorates the events of September 11, 2001.
The Freedom Memorial includes the installation of a sculpture entitled Standing Tall. Area artist Robert Kuntz designed the sculpture. A section of steel beam from Ground Zero in New York City is placed in front of the sculpture. Individuals and area landscapers donated native trees at the site.
St. Patrick’s County Park is located on Laurel Road north of Auten Road in South Bend.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese will join public officials and safety personnel from across Michiana to honor the 16th anniversary of 9/11.
Concord Township Fire Chief Rick Rochford will host this year’s commemoration ceremony at 2 p.m. at Concord Fire Station 1, located at 23625 County Road 18 in Elkhart.
In memory of those lost on this tragic day, Chief Rochford will present each participating community with a Callery pear tree.
After the Twin Towers fell on the morning of September 11, 2001, the Callery pear tree was the only tree left standing amidst the rubble and devastation.
The saplings being distributed by Chief Rochford were grown from the seedlings of this tree and will be planted near each community’s respective 9/11 memorials.
Mayor Neese and the Elkhart Fire Department Honor Guard will be on hand to receive the sapling on behalf of the city of Elkhart. Representatives from Elkhart County, Goshen, Nappanee, Mishawaka and South Bend are also expected to be in attendance.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
