FRANKENMUTH -- A piece of somber history now sits in front of the Frankenmuth Fire Station.
“It took me a year or so to emotionally recover from that experience, and I don't think you ever fully do,” said Ray Dice who was a volunteer for the American Red Cross after 9/11.
A metal piece of the World Trade Center will soon become a permanent memorial on the fire station grounds.
A ceremony held Good Friday marked its arrival.
“A lot of firefighters died on 9/11. We are remembering their sacrifice, never forget, and to not forget what Jesus did for us,” said Frankenmuth Fire Chief John Deterding.
The Frankenmuth Fire Department applied for the artifact two years ago, and Frankenmuth was one of three cities in Michigan selected.
Two Frankenmuth firefighters had the honor of retrieving the 930 pound, ten foot long piece of metal stored in a hangar at JFK Airport in New York City.
“Its kind of a somber mood. Everyone understands that there is that sacrifice. It could happen to anyone at anytime. Just because it happened in New York doesn't mean it can't happen back home, said Frankenmuth Firefighter Eric MacKinnon.
The firefighters traveled 1,200 miles in less than two days, but made time to visit Ground Zero.
“It was cool seeing the re-building. You see just how strong America really is,” said Frankenmuth Firefighter Ethan Crichton.
The artifact now strengthens this Mid-Michigan community, bringing people of all ages together.
“I don't really know much about the accident of 9/11 because I wasn't that old, but still, just thinking about all those people that died, it seems like it’s pretty big for me to be able to play for them,” said Carson Waites, a Boy Scout from Troop 255 who played Taps at the ceremony.
It was a song of remembrance for the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
The other two artifacts are in the metro-Detroit and Grand Traverse area.
