The tragic events of 9/11 claimed 2,977 lives, including nine Hoosiers. Millions more were forever impacted. That fateful day implores us as a nation to never forget.
The Indiana 9/11 Memorial was first erected in 2011—10 years after the largest terrorist attack on American soil. Now, as we approach the 20-year anniversary of the attacks, it’s more important than ever to have a sacred place to remember the great loss of lives that day. Additionally, it’s a space where we can also honor the 5,000-plus U.S. military service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the War on Terror since 9/11.
Our Expansion Plan: A Hoosier Legacy Defined
That’s why we’ve embarked on a campaign to raise $450,000 to expand the memorial, including:
- Placement of the Pentagon Stone: Made entirely of Indiana limestone, quarried from the world-renowned limestone deposits near Bedford, Indiana, the 800-lb. stone was part of the wall from the Pentagon that was damaged in the attacks on 9/11. The stone is a tribute to officers like Hoosier Lieutenant General Timothy J. Maude. At the time of his service as the U.S, Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel at the Pentagon, Lt. Gen. Maude was the highest-ranking officer to die by the actions of a foreign enemy since U.S. Army Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr., who was killed during the Battle of Okinawa in June 1945 during World War II.
- Planting of The Survivor Tree: A sapling of a tree found at the bottom of the rubble at Ground Zero will be planted. Known as The Survivor Tree, this sapling—provided by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York—embodies our nation’s spirit of hope and healing, strength and resilience.
- Military Monument: A granite stone will be placed inside the expanded memorial in honor of the nine Hoosiers whose lives were lost on 9/11.
- “Never Forget” Wall: Overlooking the White River Canal, the words “NEVER FORGET” will be etched into the foundation, made from Indiana limestone.
Help Us to Never Forget
9/11 was a day this nation will never forget. Please help us complete the expansion of the Indiana 9/11 Memorial. Your donation will help us preserve the Indiana 9/11 Memorial’s rightful place as a destination for all generations to visit, reflect and honor those whose lives were lost on and since Sept. 11, 2001.
Once our goal of raising $450,000 is reached, we plan to complete the expansion in 2021 and rededicate it on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. If you are interested in learning more or contributing to the expansion, you can donate online or text #NeverForget to (317) 659-8413.
