Hayward to Break Ground on 9/11 Memorial

HAYWARD,  CA)  – Like  most  Americans,  Hayward  resident  Michael  L.  Emerson  was  deeply  shaken by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. But as our collective confusion, anger and grief receded into history, Emerson discovered his passion: developing public memorials to preserve and honor the memory of the fallen.

On Friday, July 24 at 2:00 p.m., Emerson will break ground on his latest project, the Hayward 9/11 Memorial adjacent the historic old City Hall building on Mission Blvd. The memorial will honor both those lost in the 2001 attacks as well as Hayward police and fire personnel who have fallen in the line of duty throughout the City’s history.

“Already, we have young men and women in high school who do not remember 9/11,” said Emerson. “I’m hopeful that this memorial will educate and inspire generations to come.”

The memorial, to be built on ground donated by the City, will feature a series of four sculpted granite monoliths representing each of the planes involved in the 9/11 attacks. “Most 9/11 memorials look at 9/11 as the three different locations: the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA,” explained Emerson. “This monument is about the four different planes, those on board the planes and those who were killed and affected by each.”

Emerson, a U.S. Marine Corps. Desert Storm veteran and graduate of CSU East Bay, has developed a reputation for  producing  public  memorials.  He  is  responsible for  the  Flight 93 Memorial  in Union  City, the  Veterans Memorial in Castro Valley and has helped to build the Cold War National Memorial in Las Vegas and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington D.C. He was also tapped by the National Park Service to help produce the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa.

“All the credit for this project goes to Mr. Emerson,” said City spokesperson Frank Holland. “They don’t call him
‘The Monument Man’ for nothing; his resolve, determination and relentless drive to realize his vision are exceptional.”

Emerson estimates that construction will be completed in a matter of months, setting the stage for an official dedication later this fall.

The public and media are warmly welcomed to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and learn more about the memorial.

When: Friday, July 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Mission Blvd at D. Street, Hayward CA 94541