The Enduring American Spirit

The Enduring American Spirit memorial is dedicated to the rescue workers who responded to the crisis of September 11, 2001, and paid the ultimate sacrifice. The sculpture is also a tribute to those who work on a daily basis to protect the public's safety. Shortly after the tragedy of 9/11, a group of citizens in central Massachusetts conceived the Enduring American Spirit sculpture as a means to commemorate as well as to inspire reflection and strength. Working in the Riverdale Mills steel shop with donated supplies and materials, artist Madeline Lord used a blowtorch to create the seven-foot high, 1-inch thick steel plate sculpture. She then welded it to a weathered I-beam, symbolic of the World Trade Center. To preserve this magnificent and thought-provoking piece, the galvanizer was consulted to provide the best means of long-term corrosion protection and coatings. Without hesitation, the galvanizer joined the citizen group, carefully hot-dip galvanized the piece, and finished it off with a powder coating. Like the Enduring American Spirit, the duplex system will beautifully withstand the test of time.