Tomorrow marks another year passed since the fatal 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. In remembrance of the thousands killed that day, the city of Honolulu created a small memorial in front of Honolulu Hale just a few months after the 2001 attacks. Today, it continues to be a place of remembrance for locals and visitors with ties to those tragic events.
(Far right) The “eternal flame” is one aspect of Honolulu’s 9/11 memorial in front of Honolulu Hale.
The memorial consists of a six-foot-tall granite-like monument, which has two vertical gray strips to represent the destroyed twin towers. An “eternal flame” remains lit at the top of the structure after a victim’s family member enkindled it during a 2001 dedication ceremony in Honolulu. A separate black horizontal plaque sits to the right, with a laster-etched inscription commemorating both the victims and rescuers. The inscription reads:
“Let this eternal flame unite our country in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and honor the brave men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to save others. The love and spirit of our grateful nation and the hearts and prayers of our people will always be with them.”
Fresh-flowered wreaths represent the first responder agencies honored during the 9/11 walk this year.
Every year since, Honolulu’s mayor has taken part in a 9/11 remembrance walk through Downtown Honolulu, with stops to present wreaths to our first responders. Colorful flower wreaths representing a unified community hang outside of the Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Fire Department headquarters, as well as outside of Honolulu Hale.
Photo Courtesy: City and County of Honolulu
