New Special Forces Monument Unveiled on 9/11

Architect Matt Pearson in New York City During the “Dignified Transfer” ceremony of the 9/11 steel from the Twin Towers

The design of the new Special Forces Monument will be unveiled on the upcoming 20th anniversary of September 11th – designed to reflect and honor those who served in this Special Forces Unit and to those that gave their lives, the design incorporates a 36,000-pound piece of steel from the Twin Towers.

The unveiling of the design of a new Special Forces Monument for the 24th Special Tactics Squadron will take place on September 11th, 2022, at Pope Airfield next to Fort Bragg, N.C.

Architect, Matt Pearson of RATIO, an international design firm with a studio in Raleigh, is leading the design. On August 16th, he was in New York City to receive a 36,000-pound piece of steel from the Twin Towers that will be incorporated into the design. “It is humbling to be part of such a significant design that honors those who serve our country in such a profound way,” says Pearson.

The ceremony included a “dignified transfer” from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to the U.S. Air Force’s Special Forces Unit. Also in attendance was the FDNY’s Head Fire Chief, hundreds of FDNY firefighters, representatives of the U.S. Air Force, members of the NYPD, family, and friends.

See the design here: https://lnkd.in/eF53mcJp

In addition to being a place of remembrance and reflection, the Monument turns toward the future to also become a gathering place for achievement and celebration. The Monument will be available 24/7 to those on base and serve as a place where retirements, awards, citations, and re-enlistments can occur.

This is the second monument Matt Pearson has led the design for. Previously, he designed the Navy SEAL Monument in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Pearson and RATIO are donating their time and expertise for this tremendous cause. The Monument will likely have materials and construction labor fully donated or at cost by the community of builders.

To make a donation to the construction of the Monument, please visit www.theassociation013.com

QUICK FACTS

  • The Monument is for an Airforce Special Operations Unit: the 24th Special Tactics Squadron.
  • The Monument will be located on Pope Airfield next to Fort Bragg, N.C.
  • The Monument will be made of wood beams, concrete, granite, and steel.
  • The Monument will include 80,000 pounds of laser etched granite with crystal clear photos and text.
  • The Monument will have sections designed to honor those who served in the unit; to honor their families; highlight wars, battles, incursions, and special missions; and to honor those who were killed in action or training.
  • The Monument site is at a secure location at Pope Airfield, closed to the general public. The Monument will be available to those on base 24/7. In addition to a place of remembrance, reflection, and honoring those who have given their lives, the Monument will also be a place, where retirements, awards, citations, and re-enlistments can occur.
  • Designed by RATIO’s Matt Pearson, Architect. RATIO is an international design firm with a studio in Raleigh, NC

IMPORTANT DATES

FEB 15, 2021

Monument Design Approved by the U.S. Airforce

FEB 16, 2021

FDNY contributes steel from the Twin Towers

MAY 1, 2021

Construction begins

SEP 11, 2022

Monument dedicated

About RATIO

RATIO is an international design firm. Our clients trust us to reimagine places of business, living, education, and community. We design with creativity and empathy, collaborating across the disciplines of architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design, preservation, and graphic design to inspire, sustain and enhance our communities through our studio locations in Indianapolis, Chicago, Denver, Raleigh, and Champaign, IL. We believe good design is inclusive, contextual, and timeless. At RATIO, we design for impact.

Media Contacts:

Abby Fox, RATIO
Communications Manager
afox@ratiodesign.com

Matt Pearson, RATIO
Senior Associate / Architecture
mpearson@ratiodesign.com