Lake Ridge in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
9/11 Liberty Memorial
Today, we stand united to honor their memory and embrace America's patriotic spirit.
Erected 2006 by The 9/11 Liberty Memorial Committee.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: 9/11 Attacks • Military.
Location. 38° 40.754′ N, 77° 21.075′ W. Marker is in Lake Ridge, Virginia, in Prince William County. Memorial is on County Complex Court, on the left when traveling west. Global War on Terrorism, GWOT, 9-11, 9/11. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 County Complex Ct, Woodbridge VA 22192, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Freedom Park (a few steps from this marker); Roll of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); World Trade Center Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Bacon Race Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); Bacon Race Church and Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); Military Operations (approx. 1.1 miles away); Oak Grove - Bacon Race Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); Woodbridge Airport (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lake Ridge.
More about this memorial. "9/11 was a day that changed everything," Sean T. Connaughton, chairman of the county's board of supervisors, said at the dedication ceremony. "We started the day at peace and within the span of one hour that morning, every American's life was touched in some way."
The events of September 11, 2001, are well-known and documented. However, in the greater Prince William area, the tragedy hit deep and personal. Twenty-two County neighbors, relatives and friends were lost that tragic day more than any other jurisdiction. The 9/11 Liberty Memorial Committee, which includes family members of people killed on that fateful day, came together to build this memorial as a tribute to those residents who were lost, a historical monument for future generations and a healing place for all that experienced the pain of September 11.
The memorial includes two flowing fountains, reaching into the sky, representing the twin towers of the World Trade Center. In honor of those who perished at the Pentagon, the center marker and reflecting pool are pentagon-shaped. Pennsylvania Flagstone was used for the memorial flooring in honor of those who died in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A stone from the damaged portion of the Pentagon is part of the memorial.
The 9/11 Liberty Memorial is truly a community effort. The dedication committee met for the first time in February 2002, with the common goal of creating a fitting tribute to family members, friends and neighbors lost that horrific day. The committee reveiwed many design concepts from individuals, companies and groups. A design was selected, and with minor modifications, a professional architect took the concept and made it a reality.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the 9/11 Liberty Memorial was held on Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 3 p.m. on grounds next to the Freedom Memorial. Fundraising efforts and a plea to the community went out for support of the memorial. When construction was ready to begin the committee found construction costs had increased. Again the community was asked for contributions and support, and donors stepped forward so the memorial could become a reality, and a lasting tribute to those who were lost.
On a warm, clear Tuesday evening, May 9, 2006, after more than four years of fund-raising and two years of construction, hundreds of county residents gathered in silence to dedicate the new 9/11 Memorial. One of the few communities that have actually delivered on their promise to build a 9/11 memorial, Prince William County's citizens, volunteers and benefactors were able to complete the memorial without using taxpayer funds.
The Liberty Memorial was dedicated in a beautiful ceremony, involving Chairman Sean T. Connaughton, Senator George Allen, family members of Prince William County victims, and many others involved in this project, before an assembly of more than 400 people.
"The Liberty Memorial is a beautiful tribute to the lives of those killed on September 11th, but it also serves as a reminder to their families that the community and the nation are always behind them," Virginia Sen. George Allen addressed to family members at the ceremony. "This community will never abandon you, nor will this grand, compassionate nation. We should never forget, and we will never forget what happened to you and your loved ones."
Regarding 9/11 Liberty Memorial.
"Memorials serve three purposes. They honor those who have died; they comfort the families who are living; and they tell future generations about the values of the people that built them. This memorial accomplishes all those things and more."
- Laurie Laychak, whose husband David W. Laychak died in the attack on the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, speaking about the 9/11 Liberty Memorial.
Also see . . .
1. Dedication Ceremony - May 9, 2006. An article by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA, published by the American Forces Press Service on May 10, 2006. The article includes pictures taken during the memorial dedication. (Submitted on October 29, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
2. Articles/Resources about the 9/11 Liberty Memorial. This is the website of Maureen S. Caddigan, Dumfries Magisterial District Supervisor, Prince William County, Virginia. It contains several links to news releases related to the 9/11 Liberty Memorial. (Submitted on October 29, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Additional keywords. Global War on Terrorism, GWOT, 9-11
Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,511 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2023, by N. Jozsa of Woodbridge, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 29, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. submitted on October 30, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.