Utah getting 9/11 memorial

KAYSVILLE — A memorial to the victims of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the soldiers killed subsequently in the war on terrorism was begun with a ribbon cutting Friday at the Utah State University Botanical Center pavilion.

Some 250 people, including students, gathered in a light drizzle at 6:30 a.m. to hear musical numbers, including one especially written by Faith Satterwaite for her brother-in-law, Sgt. Clint Ferrin, who was killed in Iraq on March 13.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, gave brief remarks at the Memorial Day weekend event and then cut a red, white and blue ribbon marking the start of construction. The $200,000 monument, being sponsored by the Davis County Youth of Promise, is expected to be completed in time for a Sept. 11 dedication.

The simple and graceful monument will be a curving walkway with a stone wall on one side that has a crumbling wall and then is rebuilt into a strong rock wall to signify the nation's coming together in unity after Sept. 11. It includes a small reflecting pool and a fiber optic light for each of those killed on Sept. 11. Names of Utahns killed in the attacks and the war on terrorism were read, and it was noted that all of them were from Bishop's district.

Three Utahns were killed on Sept. 11: Mary Alice Wahlstrom and Carolyn Beug on Flight 11; and Brady Howell at the Pentagon.

Six Utah soldiers have died in Iraq: Sgt. James Cawley, on March 29, 2003; Sgt. Nino D. Livaudais, April 3, 2003; Capt. Nathan Dalley, Nov. 11, 2003; Sgt. David J. Goldberg, Nov. 26, 2003; Sgt. Juan Cabral, Jan. 31, 2004; and Sgt. Clint Ferrin, March 13, 2004.

Families of all those killed had members at the ceremony.

"With all of the negative press coverage on the war reflecting on our nation lately, the Youth of Promise want to start out this weekend with a message of hope and peace for the future," said Margaret Brough, a YOP director. "We have had soldiers killed from Utah, and their families grieve for their loss. The negative press is hurting them."

Bishop, YOP's honorary chairman, told the crowd that history, whether written in scripture or secular books, notes the spirit of the people and judges them on how they respond and react to adversity. "The kids that are inspired to start this project are marvelous, and they tell us something about our hope for the future."

Students came forward with white roses for each of the fallen, and they were presented to Bishop.

The students, representing several Davis County schools, picked three ideals for the memorial: "Hope, Remember and Unity."

Margaret Wahlstrom, a committee member, said the organization has received many donations from contractors, including Bud Bailey Construction, but still needs funding for some of the work. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to 9/11 Memorial Monument, 715 E. 200 North, Kaysville, UT 84037.

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E-mail: lweist@desnews.com