Project Resiliency!

What is it? "Project Resiliency" is a dignified and honorable public display of a September 11, 2001 (9/11) World Trade Center artifact consisting of a 500 pound section of steel beam. The artifact was obtained by the American Red Cross of Berrien County from The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and The September 11th Families Association. Two firefighters from Niles Township Fire Department, Aaron Floor and Eddie Alcala, drove to New York to escort the artifact to Berrien County. Guardianship of the artifact was transferred to the newly established World Trade Firmitas LLC, a non-profit 501(c)3 established to design, construct and maintain the display.

Why? The public displayis intended to honor the incredible sacrifices of the first responders involved in the 9/11 attacks and acknowledge the resiliency of our nation, its people and collective spirit during a time in history when this country endured one of the most horrific acts of terrorism on US soil, referred to as 9/11.

How? Our local residents -- a dedicated team consisting of artists, an architect, a builder, a landscaper, a real estate developer, a photographer, an attorney -- and the Red Cross, came together for the sole purpose to create a public display for this hallowed artifact. All funding for "Project Resiliency" will be provided by private donation to cover the costs of implementation and ongoing maintenance.

Where? The public display of the artifact will be located in a newly created "9/11 Resiliency Plaza" at 201 E. Wall Street, Benton Harbor, adjacent to the Benton Harbor Library and across the street from the Benton Harbor Public Safety Department and City Hall.

When? The team started meeting and planning in September, 2013. The 9/11 Resiliency Plaza was dedicated on September 11, 2015.