Rededication ceremony scheduled for Freedom Stone
HAUPPAGE, NY -- On September 11, 2009 from 8 to 10:30 a.m., Innovative Stone™ will rededicate the Freedom Stone for public viewing in a new memorial garden at its Long Island headquarters, located at 130 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY 11788.
Innovative Stone had donated the Freedom Stone to serve as a 9/11 memorial and cornerstone of the Freedom Tower at the site of the World Trade Center. This 20-ton solid granite monument was mined from the Adirondack Mountains and is flecked throughout with magnificent crystals of garnet, the official gemstone of New York.
The Freedom Stone was unveiled by Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg during the ground breaking ceremony on July 4, 2004. As plans continually changed at the World Trade Center, the Freedom Stone was returned to Innovative Stone's care in 2006.
The rededication ceremony keynote speakers will include John Feal, President & Founder of the FealGood Foundation, an organization that represents 9/11 first responders, and Sara Wingerath, MPA, Director of Mentoring for Tuesday's Children.
The ceremony will also include special performances by the Long Island Symphony Choral Association, Michelle Herman - soloist, bag pipers and a blessing of the Freedom Stone as well as the release of Monarch butterflies to remember the souls that were lost and a white dove to signify peace.
"The Freedom Stone was built on the testament and resolve of this great nation after that horrific day 8 years ago," stated John Feal, 9/11 Responder, Advocate, Kidney Donor and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. "The American spirit is strong, and Innovative Stone embodies that spirit, and has set the bar high for all Americans to embrace and emulate their dedication in remembering 9/11/01. It would be a major insult to all Americans for this amazing piece of remembrance not to have a final resting spot. We must remember those innocent lives we lost on 9/11/01 and the brave souls who are sick and dying from their heroic actions, who came to the aid of this great nation."
Innovative proudly embraced the Freedom Stone project and remains forever dedicated to its protection and moral compass, according to the company. Innovative Stone cut, polished, engraved and silver leafed the inscription that reads: "TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 AND AS A TRIBUTE TO THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF FREEDOM."
"There has been an overwhelming reverence and respect at our company for the Freedom Stone -- from the moment it was carved to its placement at Ground Zero and still today," stated Karen Pearse, CEO and Founder of Innovative Stone™. "Despite construction delays, this symbolic memorial stands beautiful, proud and resolute. It remains a symbol of hope, peace and rebuilding, while honoring those who were lost that tragic day."
Innovative Stone thanks its rededication ceremony sponsors, including J. Ratto Landscaping, who generously donated the landscape design for the Freedom Stone Memorial Garden, Building Long Island Magazine, Spectragraphic Printing, Star Quality Printing, Elephant Marketing, Fifth Industrial Development Corp.-- Heavy Rigging & Construction, Ping Media Concepts, JPS Electric, IHOP-Hauppauge, In The Mood DJ Productions and Sign A Rama-Hauppauge.
For details regarding the Freedom Stone ceremony or to become a sponsor, please visit www.innovativestone.com or call 631-297-0411.
Innovative Stone had donated the Freedom Stone to serve as a 9/11 memorial and cornerstone of the Freedom Tower at the site of the World Trade Center. This 20-ton solid granite monument was mined from the Adirondack Mountains and is flecked throughout with magnificent crystals of garnet, the official gemstone of New York.
The Freedom Stone was unveiled by Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg during the ground breaking ceremony on July 4, 2004. As plans continually changed at the World Trade Center, the Freedom Stone was returned to Innovative Stone's care in 2006.
The rededication ceremony keynote speakers will include John Feal, President & Founder of the FealGood Foundation, an organization that represents 9/11 first responders, and Sara Wingerath, MPA, Director of Mentoring for Tuesday's Children.
The ceremony will also include special performances by the Long Island Symphony Choral Association, Michelle Herman - soloist, bag pipers and a blessing of the Freedom Stone as well as the release of Monarch butterflies to remember the souls that were lost and a white dove to signify peace.
"The Freedom Stone was built on the testament and resolve of this great nation after that horrific day 8 years ago," stated John Feal, 9/11 Responder, Advocate, Kidney Donor and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. "The American spirit is strong, and Innovative Stone embodies that spirit, and has set the bar high for all Americans to embrace and emulate their dedication in remembering 9/11/01. It would be a major insult to all Americans for this amazing piece of remembrance not to have a final resting spot. We must remember those innocent lives we lost on 9/11/01 and the brave souls who are sick and dying from their heroic actions, who came to the aid of this great nation."
Innovative proudly embraced the Freedom Stone project and remains forever dedicated to its protection and moral compass, according to the company. Innovative Stone cut, polished, engraved and silver leafed the inscription that reads: "TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 AND AS A TRIBUTE TO THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF FREEDOM."
"There has been an overwhelming reverence and respect at our company for the Freedom Stone -- from the moment it was carved to its placement at Ground Zero and still today," stated Karen Pearse, CEO and Founder of Innovative Stone™. "Despite construction delays, this symbolic memorial stands beautiful, proud and resolute. It remains a symbol of hope, peace and rebuilding, while honoring those who were lost that tragic day."
Innovative Stone thanks its rededication ceremony sponsors, including J. Ratto Landscaping, who generously donated the landscape design for the Freedom Stone Memorial Garden, Building Long Island Magazine, Spectragraphic Printing, Star Quality Printing, Elephant Marketing, Fifth Industrial Development Corp.-- Heavy Rigging & Construction, Ping Media Concepts, JPS Electric, IHOP-Hauppauge, In The Mood DJ Productions and Sign A Rama-Hauppauge.
For details regarding the Freedom Stone ceremony or to become a sponsor, please visit www.innovativestone.com or call 631-297-0411.
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