Public Invited to Visit 9/11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy

Public Invited to Visit 9/11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety AcademyPhoto byOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024

SALEM, Ore. — On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) invites the public to visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. The academy hosts a permanent display of artifacts from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, including more than 400 firefighters and law enforcement officers. In addition to the lives lost in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, hundreds of first responders have died due to illnesses contracted while engaged in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

Guests are welcome to view the memorial to honor the victims and all whose lives were impacted by the attacks, including the firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers whose heroism prevented further loss of life. The gates of the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy. SE in Salem, will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for drop-in viewing. The memorial is located in the lobby of the Academy; guests should follow the signs for the main entrance.

Gone But Not Forgotten - Public invited to visit 9/11 memorial at the Oregon Public Safety AcademyPhoto byOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

Artifacts Displayed at the 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy includes several key artifacts from the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, allowing visitors to engage with history in a personal and meaningful way. Artifacts displayed include:

• A floor beam from either 5 or 6 World Trade Center, both of which sustained heavy damage in the September 11 attacks as the towers fell.
• A section from the base of 1 World Trade Center, also known as the North Tower.
• A strap used to support mechanical systems in the towers.
• A smaller floor beam from above the 50th floor of one of the Twin Towers.
• A piece of aluminum used in the outer “skin” of one of the towers.
• A piece of limestone fascia from the outer wall of the Pentagon, taken from near where the aircraft impacted the building.

The artifacts are accompanied by a video tribute and a painting, “Memoriam,” by Ricardo Salazar, depicting the World Trade Center attacks.Photo byOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

These items are accompanied by a video tribute to the first responders and victims, and a painting by artist Ricardo Salazar titled “Memoriam,” which depicts the attacks on the World Trade Center.

A piece of aluminum used in the outer “skin” of one of the towersPhoto byOregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training

Honoring the Legacy of First Responders

DPSST Director Phil Castle emphasized the significance of the memorial in remembering the courage and selflessness displayed by first responders on that tragic day. “As we approach the anniversary of September 11, we invite the public to join us in honoring the sacrifices of the first responders who selflessly served that day and those who have since lost their lives due to related health complications. This memorial is a chance for Oregonians to come together, remember their bravery, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten,” Castle said.

Additional Memorials at the Academy

In addition to the 9/11 Memorial, the Oregon Public Safety Academy campus is home to memorials honoring the state’s fallen first responders. The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial honors 196 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s, while the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial honors 179 fire service personnel who have died in the line of duty since 1881. Annual ceremonies are held to honor these officers and firefighters.

For more information, visit the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training or stop by the Academy on Sept. 11 to pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial.

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024
The Republic News

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