Last month, it was announced that a contract was in hand and ready to be finalized to bring a major memorial to Emporia next year.
That announcement was made by the Emporia Veterans Legacy Fund and the memorial was the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget mobile exhibit, an 83-foot-high tractor-trailer that transforms into a 1,100-square-foot traveling museum that honors the victims of September 11 and the brave men and women who gave their lives both during and after the events of 9/11. Thursday morning, representatives of the Veterans Legacy Fund, Clay Childs and Richelle Birk, joined KVOE’s Newsmaker segment to announce that the deal is now finalized and the exhibit will be arriving in Emporia the week of 9/11 next year.
Childs says the purpose of bringing the exhibit, a display they have been working towards for some time now, is inspiration and recognition of the “next generation.”
Childs says he was surprised they were able to get it on the day itself.
Childs also noted that this is a project they have been working toward for some time and had the opportunity to experience firsthand in Kansas City. Birk says an important piece of this exhibit, unlike the Wall That Heals which came to Emporia last year, is that it not only honors military personnel but also first responders.
Birk recalled being at the exhibit herself and the level of perspective it provided for the sacrifices made and the lives lost 25 years ago.
The exhibit will be coming to Emporia Tuesday, September 7th and will once again receive a full escort into town. Following an opening ceremony that day, the exhibit will officially open to the public for viewing Wednesday, September 8th and remain in the community until Monday, September 13th.
For more information on the exhibit itself, visit T2T.org.
