Carson to request piece of 9/11 rubble for memorial

Carson City may soon erect a monument in remembrance of those who died during the tragedy of 9/11.

The Carson City Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Thursday to send a letter to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey requesting an item from the debris recovered from the World Trade Center.

"In anticipation that we might receive this important and historical artifact, citizens in our community are already mobilizing to ensure the creation and long-term preservation of this permanent memorial which is certain to become one of our city's most cherished possessions," said Mayor Bob Crowell in a letter to Christopher Ward, executive director of the Port Authority.

Fire Chief Stacey Giomi and Sheriff Kenny Furlong wrote letters of support to go along with the request.

Supervisor Shelly Aldean said that, like the attack on Pearl Harbor during WWII, the date of 9/11 would "live in infamy" in terms of "cataclysmic events of tremendous proportions" that "galvanized this country."

Despite political differences, Aldean said, "we are all Americans and we were all incensed."

Jim Shirk, a member of the Carson City Cultural Commission who initiated the project, said that no public funds will be involved.

"Our intent is to have this memorial funded by citizens and groups," he said.

Supervisor Robin Williamson suggested Shirk form a Nevada nonprofit organization in order to better accomplish his goals.

Shirk first learned about the possibility of obtaining a piece of steel from the 9/11 rubble from a New York Times article about a Scout project, he said after the meeting.

"Only communities are eligible," he said. "State and federal agencies can't be awarded one of the pieces."

Shirk also said that it could take up to three months before the piece of steel arrives in the capital city, and that places under consideration for the monument are in Mills Park or in front of the community center.