Governor
Perry Dedicates ORA Winning Memorial Honoring
Texas 9/11 Victims
September
11, 2003
 AUSTIN
- Governor Rick Perry led a remembrance ceremony at the Texas State
Cemetery today and dedicated the completed Texas 9/11 Memorial designed
by O'Connell Robertson honoring Texas victims of the September 11,
2001, terrorist attack on the United States and the ensuing Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Memorial design submissions were previously solicited through the
Governor's office. Thirty-nine designs were submitted and reviewed
by a Memorial Design Committee. O'Connell Robertson's design was
selected on September 11, 2002.
The memorial is intended to be a place for Texans to reflect upon
the 9/11 tragedy. The gently rising spiral of Texas granite, which
signifies the increasing impact of the day's events and the growing
strength and compassion of the American people, embraces the spirit
of the heroes recognized by the monument. Within the granite walls,
five plaques commemorate key moments beginning with the attack on
the North Tower at the World Trade Center, and culminating in President
Bush's statement of national resolve that evening.
Centered within the Star of Texas are steel relics recovered from
the World Trade Center. "I think about where this steel might
have been in the building," said design team member Chris Narendorf.
"Who was the person sitting next to this column? What happened
to that person? It takes a very large event and brings it down to
a very personal level."
 The
President of Texas Society of Architects, expressed appreciation
for the memorial design in a letter to ORA. "Your tangible
expression of thanks for the lives of those lost in the tragedy
and the resolve to move forward speaks for all Texans. We are grateful
to your team," said John A. Nyfeler, FAIA.
O'Connell Robertson's September 11 Memorial design team includes:
Jason Andrus; Jennifer Jarl; Garrett Martin; Jason McCombs; Chris
Narendorf; Robert S. Ogorzaly, AIA; Maureen Thompson; Dave Watts,
RA; and Angela Whitaker-Williams. O'Connell Robertson & Associates
is an architecture/engineering firm with offices in Austin and San
Antonio. Founded in 1950, the Firm has completed more than 1,000
projects throughout the State of Texas.
|
