TWU Convoy Bringing 9/11 I-Beam to Kennedy Space Center

Three years ago a group of Kennedy Space Center firefighters – represented by TWU Local 525 – made an official request to the Port Authority for a relic of the World Trade Center disaster. This summer, their memorial was made a reality when the PA agreed to send a 7-foot I-beam, recovered from the wreckage, and weighing over a ton, to the Space Center. It will be installed on a pedestal at KSC Fire Station 1 as part of an already-existing memorial to 9/11.

Seven TWU Locals took part in the transport, and the I-beam will be in the custody of Local 525, which represents the firefighters among other titles. The MTA’s honor guard, all TWU Local 100 members, stood at attention as the 9/11 beam was brought to JFK airport and met by TWU Local 501 (fleet service, facility, and automotive mechanics) and Local 591 (aircraft maintenance group). TWU Local 1400 Port Authority ground staff were on hand as well. From JFK, the convoy headed to Philadelphia, where TWU Local 504 received the shipment, then on to Florida and Locals 591 and 568, representing fleet service workers in Miami. American Airlines donated the cost of the trip.

One Local 525 fireman, James Dumont, told Florida Today: “To have a piece of the World Trade Center, where so many people sacrificed that day, especially in a profession we chose to do, and have it as a constant reminder for the future generations of younger firefighters – yeah, I think this is the right thing to do.”

At Local 100, we’re proud to have helped play a part.