Wellington To Build ‘Patriot Memorial’

“Not only will this memorialize 9/11, but what this project will really do is spotlight the patriots of our country,” said Councilman Matt Willhite, who led the drive for the project. “Our lives all changed on Sept. 11, 2001. Not only was our country attacked, it was attacked on our soil.”

The village has been authorized by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to receive an artifact from the World Trade Center, which will be included in the monument.

“That is not done with the light stroke of the pen,” Willhite said. “This is a very diligent process, with many of the families involved. There is a lot of dignity that goes along with receiving this piece and putting it in place.”

Palm Beach Gardens is the only other community in the area that has received approval for an artifact, Willhite noted.

The memorial is expected to cost the village between $70,000 and $80,000 and will be dedicated on the 10-year anniversary of the attacks, Capital Improvements Director Rick Greene said.

Local business Source One Distributors has pledged $10,000 to kick-start the development and was honored for its donation at the meeting.

The council hopes to authorize the Wellington Community Foundation to establish a capital projects fund for the memorial, which it expects to be funded largely through private donations.

The council also approved an “eternal flame” that will sit in the center of a fountain. The memorial will fly the American flag and include a contemplation area that features a grassy space with benches.

“This is a great idea for Wellington, and is something that will benefit the community for years to come,” Councilman Howard Coates said.

Fundraising for the project will begin next month, with construction to begin in February 2011.

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