AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Gov. Rick Perry unveiled the winning design for a unique memorial that uses two sections of beams from the World Trade Center. The memorial will honor Texans who died in the Sept. 11 attacks and in the war against terrorism.
The steel beams, each 8 feet long and weighing about 1,400 pounds, will be the centerpiece of a granite monument at the Texas State Cemetery, the final resting place of Texas legends such as Stephen F. Austin and Congressman Barbara Jordan.
Perry announced the winning design, selected from nearly 40 entries, during a ceremony attended by Texas rescue and recovery workers who helped at Ground Zero, as well as the families of seven Texans killed Sept. 11 and in the war in Afghanistan.
Among those attending were the parents of two Texans killed in action in Afghanistan: Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Chapman and Staff Sgt. Brian Craig.
"We who live today must make a solemn vow to always honor the victims of Sept. 11," Perry said. "That means we must remain committed to justice for those who perpetrated this evil act. Evil must be dealt with, not ignored."
Perry extended his sympathy to the families who had suffered losses. "We pray that the passage of time will in some way temper your grief -- that your mourning will be replaced by pride in those with whom you shared a special bond," he said.
The granite walls of the monument, which was designed by O'Connell Robertson & Associates of Austin, will carry an inscription about the events of Sept. 11. Visitors will be able to walk inside and touch the battered beams standing vertically on a Lone Star. Private donations will cover the $100,000 cost.
The winning design was selected by a committee appointed by Perry.
Texas, California and Tennessee are believed to be the only states that received sections of the World Trade Center, according to the governor's office.
