County to receive salvaged 9/11 beam
For The Madera Tribune
Madera County is the recipient of a 14-foot beam that was salvaged from one of the twin Tower buildings from 9/11. The beam will make its way to Madera on May 28 to be featured along the county and city.
Madera County announced the receipt of a 14-foot steel beam salvaged from the Twin Tower attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Sim’s Metal Inc. was contracted to remove the steel remnants from the attacks, bringing less than a dozen beams to their Richmond, California location. Madera County successfully took part in a vigorous competitive selection process, in which they exhibited their plans to display, preserve, and honor the beam as part of a firefighter memorial.
On May 28, the beam will travel through Madera County for the citizens to view. The beam will be escorted by area firefighters, law enforcement, and the American Legion Motorcycle Riders.
The county encourages citizens to gather on the route to take a first look at the beam.
The escorted beam will arrive at the Madera County Road Department Maintenance Yard (201 W. Almond Ave.), in which a press conference will be held, beginning at 11 a.m. The press conference will be limited to elected officials, first responders, and media.
The beam will also lead the Old Timers’ Day Parade on September 24, at 10 a.m. At the conclusion of the parade, a beam resting ceremony will take place in Courthouse Park, as the beam will be lifted and placed on its permanent resting monument. This event will be open to the public.
“It is an absolute honor to have such a meaningful piece of history in our community. We could not be more grateful to honor the thousands of lives lost that day and salute the brave men and women who serve our country. Madera County will never forget.” said Supervisor Robert Poythress.
The beam will begin its route at the Oakhurst Community Center from 7:30-8:30 a.m. It will then head to the Tesoro Viejo Fire Station at, approximately, 9:15 a.m. From there, the beam will travel through the Madera Ranchos at about 9:45 a.m. and then Lions Town and County Park at 10:15 a.m., before making its way to the road department.
The beam will travel by Madera High School on Olive Avenue around 10:25 a.m., and then to State Route 145, heading south to Almond before finishing at the Madera County Road Department.
