The Unsung Heroes: Paying Tribute to the Rescue 343-2 at the Heart of Stark

**Canton Repository**

**In partnership with The Repository, every Monday, Stark Community Foundation highlights positive happenings in our community. Here’s to Good News Mondays!**

The Rescue 343-2 9/11 Memorial is a local nonprofit organization in Stark County dedicated to remembering the fallen heroes of our country, educating others about the significance of their sacrifice, and honoring veterans and first responders. Founded in East Canton nearly 20 years ago, this all-volunteer organization travels to schools, parades, festivals, and other community events across Northeast Ohio with a larger-than-life memorial display assembled on a flatbed trailer. Over the past year, the 9/11 Memorial has doubled in size, featuring dozens of flags, boots, memorabilia, and gear worn by veterans and first responders, along with other meaningful items.

## Remembering the Fallen

The Rescue 343-2 9/11 Memorial has become a powerful symbol of remembrance and gratitude within the community. As more people have interacted with the memorial over the years, many personal items have been entrusted to the organization for display, including ash collected from the Ground Zero site on the day of the attacks. By showcasing these personal artifacts to the community, the organization aims to educate and emotionally resonate with those who visit.

Tracy Phillips, a member of Rescue 343-2 9/11, explains their contribution to the community, stating, “Most of our contribution to our communities is to memorialize all who have perished in the war on terror. We have a strong focus on supporting our military and emergency service members as well. We just want to keep the memory alive for all who have sacrificed for our freedom and our country.”

## Personal Connections and Service

One remarkable aspect of the organization is that its directors all have personal connections to the 9/11 terrorist attack, and the members of its board have family serving in the military. This deeply personal connection to the events of 9/11 adds an extra layer of significance to their mission.

When veterans visit the memorial, they are invited to sign their names on the centerpiece display, shaped like the Pentagon, as a way for the organization to honor their service. The memorial serves as a platform for conversations about personal connections to the 9/11 attacks or stories of loved ones who lost their lives serving our country. It provides a space for individuals to share their emotions and memories. One first responder shared, “I wanted you to know how much it still affects me after all this time, and I wanted to say thank you for still bringing those memories back to the forefront.”

## Spreading Awareness through Travel

The 9/11 Memorial is not confined to one location; it continues to travel and engage with different communities. Its presence at various parades and events allows for a broader reach, ensuring that more people have the opportunity to learn about and engage with the memorial display. On September 24, the memorial will be traveling to the Louisville Constitution Day Parade.

## Stark Community Foundation

The Stark Community Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting initiatives like the Rescue 343-2 9/11 Memorial. The foundation helps individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits achieve their philanthropic goals through various charitable funds and strategic initiatives. Ranked in the top 10% of community foundations in the country, the Stark Community Foundation and its family of donors have granted an impressive $230 million to nonprofits since 1963.

To learn more about the foundation and its initiatives, visit [www.starkcf.org](www.starkcf.org).

## In Conclusion

The Rescue 343-2 9/11 Memorial in Stark County serves as a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who have fallen and those who continue to protect our country as veterans and first responders. Through their dedication, the organization keeps the memory of the 9/11 attacks alive and provides an opportunity for the community to engage in conversations about personal connections and stories of sacrifice. The expansion of the memorial and its travel to different events ensure that its message resonates with as many people as possible.

It is through initiatives like the Rescue 343-2 9/11 Memorial that communities come together to honor, remember, and support those who have given so much for our country. Their efforts serve as a reminder that gratitude and remembrance are essential in fostering a spirit of unity and resilience.