On September 11th 2009, the Defense Intelligence Agency held a dedication ceremony for the DIA memorial designed by Classic Glass, Inc. Family members, DIA members and those involved in the project were invited to attend.
As the audience entered the auditorium they were welcomed by a military string quartet. The ceremony began with an invocation by Chaplain Thomas Webb, USAFF. Opening remarks were given by current director, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Burgess; and retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Thomas R. Wilson, who served as director from July 1999 to July 2002.
‘‘The memorial will stand as a permanent part of this agency in the same way our lost colleagues will remain in our hearts and memories,” Burgess said. ‘‘More than others, this day reminds us of the dangers and threats we face and the importance of our mission in providing the military intelligence required to defend this nation.”
Once Mr. Burgess and Mr. Wilson completed their remarks, the string quartet began playing and the two men stepped out into the courtyard for the unveiling. Outside stood a camera crew projecting the unveiling on a large screen inside the auditorium to the eager audience.
After the unveiling Mr. Burgess and Mr. Wilson came back to auditorium. The camera crew however kept filming projecting images to the audience inside for the remainder of the event.
Daniel E. Hooten then read an essay by James Henry Leigh Hunt titled “During a Time of Trouble” An excerpt from that essay is carved into one of the laminated glass panels. ‘‘Whenever evil befalls us, we ought to ask ourselves, after the first suffering, how can we turn it into good. So shall we take occasion, from one bitter root, to raise perhaps many flowers.”
Classic Glass designer Jacob Robison then approached the podium to explain the symbolism of the structure and the significance of the materials used. “Designing this memorial was more than just a project to me. As a young artist it was a humbling experience to learn about the seven members who were lost on 9/11, and I wanted to create something that would honor their lives and their sacrifice to our nation. I was but one person on a larger team – many of whom are here today – and it is our hope that the families and friends of the victims will use this memorial to gain strength and reflect on the lives of your loved ones and co-workers.” said Robison
The ceremony ended with Chaplain Thomas Webb giving the closing benediction. He then invited everyone in attendance to step out into the courtyard to view the memorial and take pictures.
(From left to right) Glass artist – Rudi Waros, Designer – Jacob Robison, CFO – Kent Powell of Class Glass, Inc. stop to take a picture.
