9/11 Memorial to Bear Victims' Names in Time for 12th Anniversary

The Rocky Point Fire Department is expecting to have the names of all of the victims of the 9/11 attacks etched in steel at their memorial in time for their remembrance service this year.

According to Commissioner Steve Temulty, the name of all 2,977 victims of the terrorist attacks – from those in the World Trade Center, to those on the ground who were killed by debris, to those at the Pentagon – is currently in the process of being etched into 18 plates of stainless steel, which is going to be placed along a concrete wall currently flying flags at the memorial, located on Route 25A right next to the Shoreham Co. house and fire district headquarters.

The district is in the process of having granite cut to run behind the stainless steel. In between the two, about an inch and a half gap will allow light to shine through, to illuminate the names of the lives taken nearly 12 years ago. The district was hoping to have the granite cut in time for Sept. 11, however Temulty said it appears it won't arrive until after.

He said this year's memorial service will likely take place at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11.

Temulty – a retired New York City fireman who was one of thousands of emergency service workers to aid in the search and recovery effort – said "once we get this done, it's really going to be impressive."

"Unfortunately, I think some of the younger kids, they don't even realize what went on as the years go on," said Temulty, who has four kids of his own. "Something like this – it's always going to be there. This is built to last."

The district is still raising funds to help pay for the all-volunteer project, which Temulty ballparked to be about $70,000 so far. Granite will need to be cut and capped in the future around the reflecting pool, out of which a fallen beam from the World Trade Center rises.

People interested in donating can buy a personalized brick for $100, about $75 of which will go toward the fundraising effort after the bricks are etched. Click here to donate to the memorial.