The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is seeking creative design concepts for an airport memorial to acknowledge the events of September 11th, 2001, the lives lost, and the profound impacts of those events on the Logan International Airport community. Envisioned as a place for personal reflection and remembrance for anyone affected by the terrorist attacks almost two years ago, the memorial will honor those who lost their lives and the compassion, dedication, and professionalism of airline and airport workers following the tragic events.
The 1.6 acre site set aside for the airport memorial is next to the Airport Hilton Hotel, where Massport and airline teams administered to the grief-stricken families and friends of the passengers aboard American Airlines Flight #11 and United Airlines Flight #175. The site was selected because of its visibility, pedestrian access, and proximity to the Hilton Hotel.
"The families are gratified that Massport is creating a permanent memorial to their loved ones at Logan Airport. It is especially significant to those family members whose loved ones were working for United Airlines and American Airlines and were on the flights that left Boston on September 11, 2001," said Roderick MacLeish, president and founder of the MA 9/11 Fund.
"As an airport community ours hearts will always be heavy. To those who lost a loved one, a coworker or a friend we extend to you our prayer and love. This memorial site will give all of us a special place -- a place to stand tall and proud in their memory," said Father Richard Uftring, Logan Airport chaplain and member of the Massport care team which attended to the families and friends of 9/11 victims. Father Uftring has continued to provide family assistance and has worked with the airlines on memorial services and dedications.
"History will always connect Logan Airport with two of the four flights used to terrorize our nation, but history will also tell of Logan as a site of tremendous compassion, unity, heart, and healing," said Massport CEO Craig P. Coy.
Once selected, the design will be developed and constructed with an estimated budget of $1 million. Design concepts are due by Monday, December 1st, 2003 and will be selected with advice and recommendations from a committee comprised of MA 9/11 Fund members, airline representatives, Massport care team members, airport tenants, City of Boston officials, and representatives from the Boston Society of Architects and the Boston Society of Landscape Architects.
The design concept request for proposals is available online by clicking on this link and will be distributed through national architecture and landscape design organizations.