Assemblyman Ed Ra (21st Assembly District) today was joined by Rosalie Norton, president of the West Hempstead Community Support Association, to announce that West Hempstead has secured one of the last remaining steel beams from the site of the former World Trade Center. Ra and Norton have partnered in recent months, working with community residents, the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, and the Port Authority to bring the symbolic beams to the community as a way to remember family, friends and neighbors lost on September 11, 2001. Ra also expressed his gratitude to Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for his support of the acquisition.

“West Hempstead will now have a significant piece of history that will memorialize all those who lost their lives in the horrific acts of September 11th,” said Ra. “West Hempstead lost a significant number of people that day. Many were involved citizens of the community. Those who were lost left behind family, friends and neighbors who deserve an appropriate location where they can go and reflect, not just once a year on the anniversary.

“It is a reminder of so many different emotions, and a tangible piece of that building and that day. My hope is that this will continue to bring peace and resolve to our community. I’m honored to have worked with Rosalie on this initiative, and I thank all of the community leaders and residents who took the time to contact the Port Authority to make this a reality.”

“With 12 lives lost from the West Hempstead community on September 11th, it is only fitting that a memorable and lasting tribute be built to honor those who were killed on that tragic day,” said Senator Dean G. Skelos. “I would like to thank the Port Authority, Assemblyman Ed Ra, and Rosalie Norton of the West Hempstead Community Support & Civic Association for working so hard to bring this piece of history to the residents of West Hempstead. I look forward to the official unveiling later this year.”

“I want to thank both Assemblyman Ra and Senator Skelos for all of their help and effort in securing an artifact from the World Trade Center,” said Norton. “The volume of letters sent to the Port Authority from residents, and from our community organizations, spoke of the importance a section of steel from the World Trade Center would mean to our community. On behalf of our entire community, I want to express appreciation. I truly believe it was only with their help that the Port Authority gave approval to release a section of steel to the West Hempstead community.”

With the steel beam now secured, Ra anticipates it will be brought to West Hempstead sometime in late March.