Parks & Facilities

Patriot Memorial

About the Memorial

Wellington dedicated its Patriot Memorial on the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The memorial includes one of the largest steel beams salvaged from the World Trade Center, as well as an eternal flame fountain, and etched glass panels inscribed with the names of the victims.

The Patriot Memorial remembers and honors the nearly three thousand people who died in the terrible attacks on September 11th, 2001 at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in a quiet field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Over 400 first responders perished heroically that day performing their sworn duty. It is because of these facts that the Wellington Community Foundation, a non-profit organization, and the Village of Wellington have chosen to accept the responsibility to commemorate 911, which extends to the family and friends who lost loved ones, to those who survived, and to those people who will come to visit this site.

The Memorial was created for people to come and honor those who died on September 11th and reflect on the humanity of the after effects, and to admire all public safety professionals who have the courage to risk their lives to save others.

About the Steel

Following the 9/11 attacks, World Trade Center artifacts, including Wellington’s Patriot Memorial steel, were relocated to New Jersey where they were temporarily housed. Engineers inspected the damage and selected a small portion of steel to include in a federal study. Wellington’s steel, known as C-46, was chosen because of its location directly below the plane’s impact zone.

C-46 is a three-column exterior section from the South tower of the World Trade Center. Prior to the tower’s collapse, C-46 was a window section from the 69th to 71st floors; this area of the tower was occupied by the investment firm Morgan Stanley.

At 9:03 am on September 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 175 collided with the South tower at 590 miles per hour. Approximately 10,000 gallons of jet fuel immediately ignited a massive fire ball between the 78th and 84th floor. Seven stories below, Wellington’s steel sustained moderate fire damage.

Despite the damage, engineers were able to identify C-46 because its stenciled identifier was still visible. This white marking reads ‘PONYA 8T <569> B157-68-71.’ This indicated that the steel was originally destined for the Port of New York’s Authority World Trade Center. Its derrick division was 157, which identified which crane would lift the steel onto thebuilding, and the order it would be lifted.

World Trade Center Steel: Journey to Wellington

This video depicts the emotional journey as a piece of steel from the World Trade Center is transported to Palm Beach County. Former New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani thanks Wellington for building a Patriot Memorial to honor 9-11 victims and first responders.

Become a Sponsor

The world remembers how we came together in the aftermath of September 11th. This spirit of unity can still be seen in the remarkable support we've already received from private contributors. Our hope is that this Memorial will attest to the powerful and binding relationships we share with one another. Fundraising for this project is still underway. Please join us in this historic endeavor.

Contact Michelle Diaz at 561-791-4117 for more information.

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