By Mariko Yamada

As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, it is heartening to know that the remaining wreckage in Hangar 17 at New York’s JFK airport soon will find memorial homes in all 50 states and six countries.

Some local residents may recall that on July 3, 2002, an 85-pound piece of the World Trade Center steel arrived quietly at the Yolo County Board of Supervisors’ offices in Woodland. Dave Rosenberg, then chairman of the board, had answered an invitation issued by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to apply for one of only 150 then-available steel remnants, provided that all arrangements for pickup and shipment be borne by the receiving jurisdiction. A strict agreement that the memorial steel would never be used in a commercial or for-profit activity also was required.

I was Rosenberg’s deputy at the time, and the acquisition of the steel became a principal focus, ably aided by former building project manager Tim McSorley. Several weeks of bi-coastal coordination ensued, with FedEx stepping forward to donate the costs of shipping and delivery.

I will never forget the day the steel arrived and the solemnity with which the low-key crating was disassembled in our small supervisors’ quarters at the County Administrative Building. Former Supervisor Frank Sieferman Jr., a journeyman welder, hand-crafted the portable exhibit base designed by then-Yolo County Arts Council Director Alan Dismuke. Contributions from local residents were deposited in a special Yolo County account to secure and maintain the memorial plaque, and to defray the costs of anniversary commemorations.

The first anniversary of 9/11 brought a large gathering of firefighters, law enforcement officers, health and mental health professionals, clergy, public officials and community members to remember, grieve and touch the steel in the atrium of the County Administration Building. Subsequent observances faded in number and memory. Later, the steel would simply be brought into the chambers during the Board of Supervisors meeting closest to the anniversary of the tragedy.

As one now privileged to serve in the state Legislature, I am working with Yolo County’s current board chair, Matt Rexroad, and Assembly Speaker John Perez to host Yolo County’s unique portable memorial steel in a special Capitol observance of 9/11’s 10th anniversary. Although all of the original partners involved in acquiring this special artifact have moved on in public service, I am proud to know that Yolo County was among the very first in the nation to find a home for a piece of the World Trade Center memorial steel.

— Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, represents the 8th District in the California Assembly.

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A steel girder from New York City’s World Trade Center is front and center at Davis’ 2002 remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Greg Rihl/Enterprise file photo

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