The Monument - A tribute to America's victims and heroes
"Because of our location, we thought it would be appropriate to construct a lasting memorial that would remind us of this tragedy, and to also remind us as citizens of this great country to remain vigilant and not fall into complacency because we do have enemies", said Fletcher Smoak, president and CEO of Old Virginia Brick.
Old Virginia Brick's 50-foot 9/11 Flagpole Memorial is located in front of the company's corporate offices and manufacturing plant at 2500 W. Main Street in Salem, VA. It honors the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the heroic acts of the firefighters, emergency personnel, law enforcement officers and others in the days that followed.
The memorial's brick plaza and pedestal were built by Old Virginia Brick staff and officers using brick manufactured by the company. Construction on the plaza and pedestal began on September 11, 2002. The memorial flagpole itself was constructed using two steel girders from the World Trade Center. The girders, or beams, hold a flagpole topped with a 24-carat gold-plated eagle.
The beams were obtained through Old Virginia Brick's distributor in New York with assistance from Cycle Systems of Roanoke. Lynchburg Crane Co. donated its services to lift the 14,000 pounds of steel into place on December 6, 2002.
The memorial was dedicated in solemn public ceremony on Arpil 28, 2003. The dedication speakers included Old Virginia Brick President and CEO Fletcher Smoak, U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, Capt. Richard Rotanz of the New York City Fire Department.
Visitors are welcome to stop Old Virginia Brick and view the memorial. Click the link below to view directions to our location in Salem, VA.
