Never Forget

Completion: 2016

Location: Cornelius, NC 9/11 Monument

Description: Never Forget features two monoliths of limestone that frame a narrow void that is oriented towards New York City, site of the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001. Suspended in this void is the steel beam artifact taken from the World Trade Center, accessible for visitors to approach and touch. The gesture towards New York is reinforced by an articulated line in a circular inscribed paved plaza that sits on an axis with the World Trade Center site. This line is embedded with the date and location of the attack. The walls, beam, and US flag are illuminated at night.

The monument’s stone walls are engraved with the words “NEVER FORGET” in multiple languages. On September 11, 2001, despicable acts of terrorism were perpetrated on our nation. This attack struck our nation’s most diverse city, killing people of all backgrounds. Over 90 countries lost citizens in the attacks. In our grief and in the heroic response of first responders, the nation stood as one.

A memorial bench with interpretive plaques surrounds the plaza. This element remembers the people whose lives were lost on 9/11, honors the sacrifice of first responders during the attacks, and pays tribute to the U.S. military personnel for their heroism and selflessness so that we may live in freedom.

Design Optimization/Management: METALAB