Bob DeRubeis, Commissioner
Newton Parks and Recreation Department
70 Crescent Street
Newton, MA 02466
August 19, 2011
Dear Commissioner,
With the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation approaching, I am writing in support of the Newton 9-11 Memorial Committee and its proposal to establish a tribute to those residents of Newton whom we lost on September 11, 2001 on the grounds of Newton City Hall.
Even had no Newton resident perished that day, it would have been fitting for us as a city, to establish a 9-11 Memorial. In light of the fact that eight Newton residents were among the dead, it is imperative that we remember them. There is no more appropriate spot than on the grounds of our City Hall.
The tribute is meant to memorialize the eight Newton residents who lost their lives on 9/11, and the heroism of the first responders, as well as the kindness of everyday citizens who reached out to help. As proposed, the memorial will respect the historic landscape of City Hall and maintain the integrity of the design. The tribute will be entirely privately funded.
I urge you to work with the 9-11 committee to establish this tribute at City Hall. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ruth B. Balser
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
cc:
Scott Lennon, President, Board of Aldermen;
Setti Warren, Mayor;
Virginia Gardner, Director, 9-11 Memorial Committee, Inc
Ruth B. Balser, State Representative
12th Middlesex District (Newton)
Room 136, State House
617-722-2396