9/11 Monument at Fort Bragg Burns Bright

By: Kelly Twedell

On the Main Post Parade Field at Fort Bragg, a monument tucked away in a tranquil setting proudly stands to commemorate those soldiers killed in the 9/11 attacks and the sacrifice of over 5,500 service members who have died while fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The $140,000 project was taken on by Lt. Gen. Frank G. Helmick, commanding general of Fort Bragg and the XVIII Airborne Corps, along with other Army and civilian leaders. The monument was dedicated in 2010.  

The stone came from Curahee Mountain in Georgia, the site of Camp Toccoa, a World War II-era paratrooper training ground. The fire bowl is cast from steel salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks on the buildings on Sept. 11, 2001.

"There is a lot that runs through your mind when you look at the flame. That's why we made the monument the way we did where people can come and reflect as well," said Helmick.

"We will never forget your Family's sacrifice," said Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick at the 2011 ceremony, commander, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, to the Gold Star Families in attendance at the January dedication.