Sept. 11 memorial to visit area

POST FALLS - A steel beam from the World Trade Center that will be used for a memorial near Seattle will be at three Kootenai County locations this week for public viewing and fundraising for transportation costs.

The beam, which will be covered with a flag while being transported by semi from New York City to Silverdale, Wash., will be available to view on Thursday at 7 p.m. during a ceremony at Cruiser's on Seltice Way in Stateline.

"We've invited police and firefighters to come see it," said Sheri Herberholz, who owns Cruiser's with husband Larry.

The Coeur d'Alene firefighters' pipes and drums group will perform "Amazing Grace" during the ceremony. The Patriot Guard will also sell Sept. 11 patches and T-shirts at all of the viewings to raise money for transportation costs.

The beam will also be shown at Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson on Appleway in Coeur d'Alene on Friday and at the Hot Rod Cafe in Post Falls along Interstate 90 on Saturday. Both viewings are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Patriot Guard will escort the beam from the scales at the state line to its final resting place in Kitsap County on Sunday starting about 6:45 a.m.

"We want as many people as possible to come touch it, take pictures and educate young people about who the real heroes are," Herberholz said.

Herberholz said she jumped at the opportunity to hold the ceremony and organize the stop because her husband is a retired firefighter and the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks is approaching. The beam will be used for a memorial honoring police, veterans and firefighters.

"When I heard that it would practically be passing by my front door, I really wanted to bring it here," she said.

Information: www.kitsap911memorial.org