The 9/11 NEVER FORGET Memorial wrapped up its stay at the Washington County Fairgrounds Tuesday.

The Memorial made its way to Washington Sunday, in a procession of local authorities from Ainsworth to the Fairgrounds. Washington Firefighter Joe Redlinger talked about the ceremony “It was something to see, I was driving one of the fire trucks. To see that many trucks lined up and ready to go, brings the memories back on what happened that day.”

The Memorial was open to patrons Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, with Sunday serving as a day that firefighters, first responders, EMTs and veterans were recognized. On the first day, Kalona firefighter Jordan Yotty spoke about why he had come out to see the Memorial and what it means to him as a firefighter. “All of those people that never thought twice about running into a burning building, makes you think you need to come see this for their sake. It means everything, as far as knowing that people laid down their lives for others, without question is something special and means a lot, knowing that we’re not out here just doing this for fun. It means something.”

Crowds braved the heat, waiting hours to take the tour through the Memorial, led by New York City authorities who were involved in the rescue efforts on 9/11. Washington County Fair volunteer and event coordinator Carol Horning talked about the turnout and seeing everything come together “Well, I told the guys last night while we were at supper, I’ve spent since November, living, eating, sleeping and breathing this. To actually see it sitting here is beyond something I can even put into words. I was hoping for a crowd, this is beyond a crowd. I’m just thrilled to death that everyone came out.”

The 9/11 NEVER FORGET Memorial is dedicated to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.