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 These photos depict the special event that took place on Thursday, September 11, 2003! The St, Joseph County community's Freedom Memorial: "Standing Tall" which remembers those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 when America was attacked, was dedicated at 10:00 a.m., two years after that tragic event.
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To the left are views of some of the dedication ceremonies that took place on Thursday, September 11, 2003. To see these photos full size, just click on each of them. For more photos and details about the Freedom Memorial "Standing Tall" and its creation, see our next page.
Welcoming remarks and introductions were given by Master of ceremonies, Larry Catanzarite, Vice President of the St. Joseph County Parks Board. Recognized for their contributions were Howard Goodhew who originated the idea for the memorial, Robert Kuntz, the artist who designed the Memorial sculpture; Dick Morrison, Judy Olson and other members of the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation Board who organized the project; the many businesses, agencies, organizations and individuals who contributed for the construction of the memorial; Government officials and many local citizens who supported the project and attended these ceremonies.
Local policemen and firemen provided an Honor Guard for the flag raising and the "Ringing of the Bell," a fireman tradition, while the IUSB Verismo Quartet sang America the Beautiful and God Bless America.
Pastor Greg Fiechtner of St. Paul Lutheran Church, as well as Iman Mohammad Sirajuddin of the Islamic Society of Michiana and Don Neely, Chaplin for the South Bend Fire and Police Departments, lead participants in prayers and reflections for those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Members of the South Bend, Mishawaka, and St. Joseph County law enforcement and safety agencies unveiled a section of a steel beam taken from ground zero at the collapsed World Trade Center. The steel beam is now mounted below the monument and was later touched by many who participated in this event.
Anne and Richard McCloskey laid a wreath at the foot of the memorial in memory of their daughter, Katie McCloskey, who died when the first plane hit the World Trade Center's north tower on September 11, 2001.
Richard Mao played Amazing Grace and Flower of Scotland on the bagpipes as the Honor Guard retired and the dedication ceremonies were concluded.
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