On Friday, the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit will open its doors in Artesia.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the exhibit will spend 2021 traveling the country to vividly bring the events of that day to life for Americans who are unable to travel to New York City.
The 83-foot tractor-trailer, which transforms into a 1,100-square-foot exhibit, features World Trade Center Steel, aluminum façade from the buildings, radio transmissions from first responders, and items found in the rubble after the Twin Towers collapsed.
The free guided tours are conducted by FDNY firefighters who were eyewitnesses to that day. They are able to share their perspective on what happened in New York on Sept. 11 and in the days that followed.
Artesia 9/11 Memorial Inc. brought the exhibit to Artesia with the hope to “inspire all who attend to feel the patriotism and unity that was felt across this nation on 9/11 and in its aftermath. We hope all will remember forever, and remember we must so future generations NEVER FORGET.”
An opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. Friday at Bulldog Bowl and will feature:
• an Honor Guard performed by U.S. Border Patrol
• “Amazing Grace” performed by bagpipers
• the national anthem, performed by Rachel Carvajal
• a 21-gun salute, performed by the New Mexico State Police
• a speech by Artesia 9/11 Memorial Inc. Secretary and Exhibit Organizer Debbie Brazas of the Artesia Fire Department
The exhibit will be open to the public from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, June 11, through Monday, June 14.
For more information on the Artesia Mobile Exhibit, visit www.artesia911memorial.org. For more on Tunnel to Towers, visit T2T.org.
