World Trade Center Beam moves to new home at The Avenue

The Avenue Viera is pleased to announce that it will be the new home of the World Trade Center Beam that is currently located at NASA Kennedy Space Center Fire Station 1.

This seven-foot long, one-ton steel beam was recovered from the rubble of the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. In 2012, the Kennedy Space Center Fire Fighters and the Transport Workers Union of America petitioned the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to request a piece of World Trade Center steel to serve as a memorial at Kennedy Space Center Fire Station 1. Nearly three years later, the petition was granted and this sacred piece of American history made the journey to the Space Coast where it was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2015. To allow more public access to this hallowed object, the Kennedy Space Center Fire Fighters and TWU Local 525 moved the artifact to its current location in 2017, where more visitors can reflect on what was lost on September 11 and the price paid by so many families. It was especially important for the fire fighters to honor their fallen comrades, including FDNY Ladder Company 3 Captain Patrick “Paddy” Brown, brother-in-law of a TWU member.

The Avenue Viera, the TWU Local 525 and Kennedy Space Center Fire Fighters hope this will serve as a place of contemplation, a way to honor all the victims of the terrorist attacks, and a reminder to never forget the sacrifices made by so many that day.

“The Transport Workers Union is excited to donate this WTC beam to The Avenues and bring such a historical artifact to the Residents and Visitors of Brevard County. I hope this beam serves a a reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th - May we never forget!!!!” - Kevin Smith

“It is an honor that The Avenue was chosen to be the new home for such an important piece of American history,” says Scott M. McCarthy, General Manager of The Avenue Viera.

The move will take place on May 27, 2017 at start at approximately 9 a.m. It will make its way from Kennedy Space Center throughout Brevard County to its final placement at The Avenue Viera. One week later, June 3, 2017, the official dedication ceremony will be held at The Avenue Viera at 10 a.m.