9/11: Chief Bowman's Beam of Hope

Forsyth County Fire Chief, Danny Bowman stands next to the beam segment with a look in his eyes that perhaps only Americans and our heroic firefighters can truly understand.

Chief Bowman arranged for the artifact to be donated to Forsyth County in 2006.

"As the Forsyth County firefighters left New York City with this artifact, a group of New York firefighters stood at attention and saluted us as we passed the city limits," says Bowman.

The artifact, housed in Forsyth County's Public Safety Complex is displayed in the open, against a bare wall for a reason. Visitors are invited to look at, touch and photograph the piece from all sides.

"This artifact is my gift to the citizens of Forsyth County for her visitors and neighbors to touch, pray and remember the events of 9/11," adds Chief Bowman whose 43 years of service began with the Atlanta Fire Department in 1968.   

"This memorial is very dear to us," said Forsyth County Fire Department spokesperson, Capt. Jason Shivers. "We lost 343 brothers on 9/11 and we take this artifact and what it represents very seriously."

The steel I-beam segment remains an enduring inspiration for those who still believe in hope despite the sorrow of 9/11.