It consists of a small white cross for each of the victims, a replica of the steel girders that were left standing after the World Trade Center collapsed, and a flag flying at half-mast. The memorial, which is illuminated at night, is on a hillside at the church and faces McEver Road Extension.
There is also a sign on the site which points out the number of lives lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and when a hijacked plane went down in Pennsylvania.
Senior Associate Pastor Tony Elrod says the idea grew out of a staff meeting about two months ago.
"(We wanted to do something) so that people would remember (what happened), but not only honor them but to honor the people that were willing to give their life in order to rescue others," Elrod said.
"The amazing thing," Elrod said, "was that we thought we were going to have to go and purchase some steel and pay someone to bring in some debris, but when they found out what we were doing...everything...was donated."
Elrod said the memorial will probably be up until about a week after September 11.
Free Chapel is also planning a special service the night of September 11 to remember those who died in the attacks and to honor Gainesville area firemen and law enforcement officers.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/9/190584