Background Information
During the Spring of 2002, while cleanup and recovery operations were under way at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Workers Memorial Committee believed it would be impressive if we could acquire a section from one of the World Trade Center, Twin Towers for a workers memorial. We could construct the Memorial here in the West Alabama area to honor all workers killed or injured in the work place. We contacted the Alabama Seventh District Representative in Washington, D.C., the Alabama Red Cross Labor Liaison and operating engineers at Ground Zero with the idea. Even before our committee knew what we wanted, we were able to acquire a seven-foot section of I-beam from World Trade Center, Tower One. This I-beam weighed approximately 1000 lbs. We worked with organizations in Atlanta, Georgia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to deliver the I-beam. We had agreed to share the treasured artifact with the labor council in Atlanta, Georgia in exchange for their help. It was cut in half and our section continued its journey to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. On June 20, 2002, our Workers Memorial Committee held a press conference displaying the I-beam and explained its purpose. At that time our committee was unable to secure a suitable, permanent location for a Memorial and the I-beam was put into storage.
On Patriots Day 2006, with renewed interest in the River Walk project in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, our Workers Memorial Committee was reorganized to revitalize the project. The committee now has members from the Cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport, Tuscaloosa County, University of Alabama, area businesses, private individuals and the West Alabama Labor Council. Collectively, our committee designed Workers Memorial Commons and secured a permanent location for the Memorial on River Walk in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Workers Memorial Commons, when completed, will include that section of I-beam from World Trade Center, Tower One and will serve as a tribute to all workers that have been injured or killed in the work place.