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ABOUT US
The 911 Memorial
Fountain at Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Station 88 in
Sherman Oaks, California has a humble background. It all
started in 2002 when local business people and residents
Carrie Konjoyan and long time friends Joe and Debbie Lanza
were
sharing time together. All were deeply committed to our
great Country and as usual conversation would come around to
the tragic attacks on 9/11. Joe Lanza had a brother, Pat
Lanza, that worked for the Mayor's office in New York City.
Pat shared with Joe that pieces of the World Trade Center
were available for use by local communities as long as the WTC
Steel was not used for profit. Joe told Carrie the story and
in November of 2002 the Los Angeles Fire Department signed
the official paper work to acquire the WTC Steel for use in
a Memorial at LAFD Fire Station 88 in Sherman Oaks.
What
ensued can only be described as walking in faith. Pat Lanza
in New York shared we had to "get" the 750 pound piece of
WTC Steel to Sherman Oaks, California. "Cold" phone calls
were made to FedEx Freight, who offered to pick up and
ground ship the WTC Steel across the country. On Friday,
December 6th, 2002 the sacred WTC Steel arrived at its' final resting
place amongst firefighters who had been the first in the
world on September 11, 2001. These men and women had been
called to serve the
Nation in a capacity never done before . The 70 member Urban
Search and rescue Team, California Task Force 1 was based
out of Fire Station 88 in Sherman Oaks, California. Thus the
huge connection to 9/11 and why a 9/11 Memorial was so
appropriate at the Los Angeles Fire Station 88. California Task Force 1 was the first team that
traveled to NYC and Ground Zero and in fact they were the
only plane in the air the evening of September 11, 2001
except for military aircraft. Flying out of March Air Force
Base in San Bernardino along with specially trained dogs and
thousands of pounds of special equipment. They traveled to GZ in hopes they would be able to offer their expert
assistance.
From the
arrival of the WTC Steel to the Dedication Ceremony on
December 11, 2004 was two years of nothing short of complete
motivation towards a common goal. Joe Lanza, a general
contractor called his sub-contractors who willingly offered
their time and talents. Joe also donated hundreds of hours
and countless monetary support to help build the Memorial.
Benefactors from far and wide including Fed Ex Freight once
again stepped up to the plate with a financial donation.
The Memorial was built with donations and hundreds of
donated work hours. Those donating their time were several
firefighters, members of the Urban Search and Rescue Team,
members of the Heavy Equipment Company of the Los Angeles
Fire Department. In the midst of operating the largest fire
station east of the Mississippi construction took place in
front of the fire station. The construction, design and acquiring of benefactors was done by Joe Lanza, Carrie
Konjoyan and Art Grencci, a retired member of the Los
Angeles Police Department. Art had heard about the Memorial
and came on board with enthusiasm not to be equaled. Art
traveled to GZ several times and spent time in Washington,
D.C. as well.
The result was a 100 pound piece of Pentagon
Limestone that that was to become a part of the 9/11
Memorial. It somehow seemed all those involved were brought
together to help build the memorial. Persistence became the
key word, but the goal always was the same, "Never
Forget"...The Memorial is here to bring about healing in all
forms, to offer a place of quiet solitude, as a tribute to
those who risk their lives daily and to Never Forget the
lives of those lost by first responders on 9/11.
We, who are
involved all shared the same vision to build the Memorial,
we believe that all the 9/11 Memorials are connected by their
mere existence. It is our deepest desire to see people come
and visit as often as they wish, to feel a connection, to
heal, to honor those lives lost and honor those who serve
daily. We hope our humble memorial will be a stopping point
for ALL who wish to come visit, honor, grieve and heal
day or nigh. The Memorial stands ready to receive
visitors.
On the
weekend of September 10th of each year we have a WE
REMEMBER WALK. We meet at the Sherman Oaks Galleria and walk
the 1/2 mile to the Memorial. Our official Chaplin is Rev.
Bill Minson of Today Ministries. Rev. Bill was called to
the WTC and still works with family members. He is also with
PRAYAMERICAPRAY. They pray every day at noon for victims and
families of 9/11. We have hosted many prayers services at
the 9/11 Memorial including a 12 hour prayer Vigil for the
families and victims of the fatal Esperanza Fire in October
of 2006.
Also a Veterans Day prayer service took place at
the Memorial. All officiated by Rev. Bill Minson, members of
LAFD Fire Station 88. We welcome your comments, visits to
our website and hopefully to the Memorial. If you are so
motivated to bring flowers, a note, photo or just to sit and
pray in your own fashion, you are most welcome to do so. We
the involved key persons are committed Americans all of
immigrant families who choose this great Country for our
families to establish generations to come. Donations are
most welcome and appreciated but not necessary. Donations
may be made to:
California
Community Foundation
Adopt-A-Fire Station
5101 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, California
91403
(please write "designated for the 9/11 Memorial" in memo
area)
California
Community Foundation, Adopt-A-Fire Station is a 501 (c) 3
status. We encourage you to visit the Memorial feel its'
powerful effect and reflect about why it is here.
If you
happen to see a fire fighter or law enforcement officer in uniform thank them. They are
the heroes who risk their lives for you and me. All the
first responders have one major thread going through them,
humbleness. Take that from them, use it in your life,
worship God, support your Country and community in any small
or large way. If you cannot physically be involved, write a
check or share your talents. Volunteer, you will receive
much more back than you gave.
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