Remembering 9/11 and Those Still Fighting

Patch sites around the country are recalling the stories and tragedies that befell our towns after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. A decade later, the memory of that day still has a strong effect on the daily lives of people throughout the United States and the world.

What are some ways that your life has changed after 9/11? Have you seen trends in the economy, foreign policy and political correctness that have emerged in its aftermath? We'll discuss these ideas, and more, over the next 10 days.

Don't forget to take part in Campbell's Boswell's OPENING NFL SUNDAY Tribute Brunch and PARTY on the Sunday anniversary of Sept. 11.

The Campbell Veterans Memorial is going before the Campbell City Council on Tuesday and will tentatively open Nov. 11. The purpose of this memorial is to remember not only those who served this country and are no longer with us, but also those who are still out there fighting, including all those who signed up in response to the 9/11 events.

This Tree of Peace (the existing olive tree), as it's been named, is the centerpiece of the Campbell Veterans Memorial. The tree is to be encased by a concrete memorial wall with brass letters that spell out a prayer for peace.

The memorial will also feature a timeline wall that lists all the conflicts our country has been involved in ever since the Revolutionary War, as well as a fountain and reflection pool. Finally, the Plaza of Names will connect all the parts of the memorial, recognizing 8,000 service people from both past and present, etched in brick, many of whom signed up to serve after Sept. 11, 2001.

The Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation's board, however, wants to do more than build the memorial. The directors want to provide support for local veterans and their families. That's why even after the memorial is built, they will continue to collect money for the memorial's upkeep, scholarships and additional programs.

For more information, visit campbellveteransmemorial.org.

Patch, through its parent company, AOL, is involved in a project called ActionAmerica. The project is a collaboration of several corporations, individuals and non-profits organizations designed to honor those affected by the events of 9/11 and unify the country through positive action.