Indianapolis – Former Indianapolis firefighter Greg Hess, a 42‑year veteran of the fire service, spent the past weekend speaking at the Indiana 9/11 Memorial ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Hess, who helped design and install the downtown monument, reflected on the memorial’s purpose, his experience at Ground Zero, and his ongoing health challenges.
Creating a lasting tribute
Hess first learned of the need for a permanent home for artifacts from the attacks after reading a Firehouse magazine article. “I thought that can’t be that hard. Well, I was very wrong,” he recalled. Determined, he gathered a team of dedicated volunteers and local officials to bring the project to life.
The memorial includes a piece of limestone quarried in Bedford, Indiana, honoring General Timothy Maude, the highest‑ranking military officer killed on 9/11. A seedling from the Survivor Tree, rescued from the World Trade Center site, also stands on the grounds, symbolizing renewal and hope.
A personal connection to Ground Zero
Hess served at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the attacks, an experience that shaped his view of public service. “We’re the crazy people that run into burning buildings when you guys are running out. There’s always a toll no matter what, and there’s a price to pay,” he said, acknowledging the physical and emotional costs borne by first responders.
In 2007, Hess was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer and underwent surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy. He later developed a second cancer, which he believes is linked to his earlier treatment. Despite these hardships, Hess says he has no regrets about his career or his decision to answer the call at Ground Zero.
Memorial as a place of healing
For Hess, the memorial is meant to give families, veterans, and all visitors a tangible connection to the events of 2001. “I wanted a place for people who could remember and who were affected by 9/11,” he explained. Visitors often touch the steel beams and limestone, many becoming teary‑eyed. “That’s OK. It gives people an opportunity to touch a piece of history and not just look it up on a computer,” Hess added.
Community support and future plans
The project was made possible through collaboration with local businesses, civic groups, and state officials. Hess praised the community’s willingness to contribute time and resources, noting that the memorial stands as a testament to Indiana’s commitment to honoring those who served and sacrificed.
As the ceremony concluded, Hess encouraged attendees to keep the memory alive through service and prayer. “Our faith and our families give us the strength to carry forward,” he said, underscoring the shared values that bind the community together.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
