Area Patriots Welcome a Piece of the World Trade Center

Two fire trucks extended their ladders at in Thursday morning and four area engine companies were standing by—lights flashing—to lend a hand.

, Orland, Mokena and Oak Forest fire department personnel were not responding to a tragedy, but rather, remembering one. As the clock struck 1 p.m., a caravan of patriotic motorcyclists rumbled beneath two extended ladders that had a giant American flag flying between them.

They were met by about 100 onlookers, many of whom were part of a welcome flag line, because they were escorting precious cargo. Nestled inside the back of a moving truck was an 8-foot long, 600-pound twisted beam from the World Trade Center.

It's final destination? The Tri-State Fire District in Darien, where it will become part of a permanent memorial in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"This is part of America's heritage," said Tom Gelin, 65, of Alsip. "We don't want to forget the price tag that's put on freedom. And we can't forget the civilians, firefighters and military men and women whose lives have been lost as a result of Sept. 11."

As the senior road captain for the American Veterans Motorcycle Riders Association, Gelin was among those about to join the caravan on the trip to Darien. He served as a U.S. Marine from 1963-1969, he said.

Tinley was one of five stops the group of riders made from New York City, said Tony Marmo, a member of the Warriors' Watch Riders who helped coordinate the local send-off.

"It's an honor to be able to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for us during 9/11," said the 51-year-old, who was wearing an American flag bandana and a leather vest adorned with patriotic and motorcycle-themed patches. "This is a very small thing we can do to show we care, and that we remember."

Chief Steve Klotz said Thursday's event wasn't the first of its kind and it won't be the last.

"We try to get involved in as many of these as we can," he said. "It really is the least we can do. We can't forget what happened. We never will."