Initial stages of the 9-11 Memorial with an I-beam from the World Trade Center will be unveiled during the annual Community Fair from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

The 3,000-pound I-beam from Tower One will be the focus of the memorial being constructed, said Deputy Greg Dotson, who is coordinating the memorial drive.

“The memorial will remember those who have fallen on Sept. 11, 2001 due to planned acts of terrorists as well as the troops who have fallen since that day in defending freedom and trying to rid the world of terrorism,” Dotson said. “The memorial will show support for the troops who are still at war and in harms’ way.”

Cost of the memorial is estimated at $30,000. Donations and the sale of bricks will fund the project. Pre-ordered bricks will be on display. Bricks will be on sale during the 9-11 fair.

Dotson believes the memorial will be a historical landmark in Rutherford County. The memorial should be completed by December.

The memorial ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. with the singing of the national anthem by the group, the Roy’s, and Murfreesboro Fire Department serving as the honor guard. Firefighters will ring a bell in salute to the lives lost on 9-11. Rolling Thunder will present a POW/MIA flag. WGNS' Bart Walker will serve as emcee of this event. 

Sheriff Robert F. Arnold will speak. Iraqi veteran David Judy, who delivered the I-beam from New York City, will be recognized.

Richie McDonald, former lead singer of the country band, Lonestar, will be the featured performer. The County Music Association named Lonestar the county music Group of the Year in 2001.

McDonald wrote, “I’m Already There” and sang it with Lonestar. The song was awarded Song of the Year and McDonald was the BMI Writer of the Year in 2002. Also, “Amazed” by Lonestar was the Single Song of the Year in 2001.

Other events include:

• · Inflatables sponsored by Cox Family Martial Arts.
• · Face painting by the La Vergne Police Department’s Police Athletic League.
• · A petting zoo sponsored by Property Assessor Bill Boner of Cripple Creek Farms.
• · Demonstration of the Jaws of Life by the Walter Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
• · Displays of equipment and vehicles by the sheriff’s office, Murfreesboro Police, Smyrna, La Vergne and Eagleville police, Murfreesboro Fire Department, Rutherford County Fire and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services.
• · Food for sale.
• · Displays of vehicles by Ford of Murfreesboro and Nissan.

Community organizations will discuss their groups. AARP will conduct a silent auction featuring NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon memorabilia and representatives of the Fisher House will collect donations to build a home for families while veterans are in the hospital.

Vendors of arts and crafts are still needed. Booth fees are $50 and must be reserved by Aug. 31.

Deputy Jim Noe said Americans need to remember the fallen heroes and show solidarity.

“We want to let our neighbors know we are still united under the cause of freedom,” Noe said.

For more information, contact Sgt. Jimmy Cassidy at 904-3019, Dotson at 904-3033 or Noe at 904-3018.