[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE CITIZENS OF OAK LAWN FOR INDEPENDENTLY FUNDING THE 
                    CONSTRUCTION OF A 9/11 MONUMENT

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Village of 
Oak Lawn and its commitment to honoring the heroes and victims of 9/11 
with a monument to be dedicated on September 11, 2011--the ten year 
anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Located in my district, this 
community has come together to fund the construction of a monument to 
be built with four beams from the World Trade Center in memoriam of 
that tragic day and the brave first responders who made the ultimate 
sacrifice.
  Erik Blome, a Chicago native whose public works projects can be found 
throughout the nation, has unveiled a design that will include a 
``forest of beams'' memorializing the first responders and the 
resiliency of the American spirit. The symbolism of beams from the 
World Trade Center coupled with the artistic skill of Mr. Blome will 
produce a lasting and poignant monument to help Oak Lawn residents 
remember our national loss and those heroes who responded for 
generations to come.
  Led by the Oak Lawn Rotary Club, the residents of Oak Lawn, Illinois 
are coming together to raise money to fund construction of the 
monument. Through community fundraisers and generous donations by Oak 
Lawn citizens, businesses, and organizations, the local community will 
independently fund the Oak Lawn 9/11 Monument.
  I am proud to recognize the Village of Oak Lawn for its strong 
history of philanthropy and community involvement. Please join me in 
celebrating the residents of Oak Lawn and the Oak Lawn Rotary Club for 
its leadership in ensuring that the lives of the September 11th first 
responders are not forgotten. I know the project will continue to be a 
great success and I look forward to visiting the memorial once 
completed.

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