By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Hundreds gathered at O'Fallon's Winghaven development to witness the unveiling of a black granite marker and 13 tons of twisted steel salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
Mayor Paul Renaud said the steel represents the nation's strength, measured by perseverance:
"Although the World Trade Center had been struck, these steel beams supported the two towers long enough so that thousands of individuals could escape," said Renaud. "Like this steel, as Americans we may bend, we may be knocked down but together we cannot be broken."
Victims of September 11 were remembered with a gun salute, the sounding of emergency sirens and a moment of silence.