Salina, KS – A large crowd gathered this morning at the Salina Regional Airport’s M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the devastating terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Representatives of the Salina Airport Authority, Great Lakes Airlines, Transportation Security Administration, Salina Police Department and Salina Fire Department gathered to remember the victims and heroes of 9/11.
Salina Fire Chief Kevin Royse recognized the loss of first responders that made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 “It’s important that we take the time to remember that 343 firefighters and 60 police officers lost their lives by simply performing their sworn duty that day,” he said.
During the event, Jay Brainard, the TSA’s Federal Security Director for Kansas unveiled the “We Shall Never Forget” sculpture that the TSA has installed in the lobby of the M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal.
Brainard stated that “this sculpture stands as a memorial to all victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The sculpture also stands as a reminder to all TSA, airport, airline, fire service and law enforcement personnel that we will never forget the need to protect our country from terrorist attack.”
Airport Authority executive director read the following statement from U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) who was unable to attend the commemoration event.
“To all of the TSA, law enforcement and fire service personnel in attendance today: Thank you for your service and dedication to keeping our communities and our country safe. We recognize the burdens you and your family members shoulder and sacrifices you make on a daily basis, performing some of the most difficult and hazardous jobs in America. In Salina and all across Kansas, members of our law enforcement community are people we go to church with, who we see at our kids’ activities at school, who we know personally and care for deeply. Thank you for your tireless work to protect all of us. You deserve nothing but our highest respect and gratitude.”
The sculpture was designed and built by B & B Metal Arts of Hoisington, KS and contains a 24″ section of a steel I-beam from the World Trade Center twin towers. The memorial consists of an American flag with 9 stars and eleven stripes representing 9/11. The World Trade Center twin towers are seen in the background. An American eagle representing freedom is perched on the steel I-beam. The top of the memorial is inscribed with the words “WE WILL NEVER FORGET.”