9-11 Exhibit in Birmingham

Kathy Times/NBC 13
Published: December 6, 2007
Updated: December 6, 2007

Several hundred people joined Birmingham city leaders to welcome an exhibit that pays tribute to the victims and heroes of 9-11. A survivor was among the guests who spoke.

The exhibit has incredible pictures and a film that captures the 9-11 story. Survivors, rescue workers and people who lost loved ones are featured. It was important for Roy Williams to hear them and to honor a voice that was silenced that day.

Folks in Birmingham join thousands across the country and sign beams that will be used in the construction of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York.

Roy Williams leaves more than a signature.

“When I signed that beam I left a message to my brother in heaven,” said Williams.

His brother, Dewayne Williams died in the terror attack on the Pentagon.

“And it will be there forever to let people know how this touched us as a nation,” said Williams.

Williams toured an exhibit that included pictures and the belongings of people who were at ground zero. he also watched survivors talk about that day in a short film. The stories reopen wounds but Williams finds a silver lining.

“I try to think back not on the terrible tragedy of that day but the goodness of the world that showed up,” said Williams. “I mean we had a lot of people who put their own personal safety aside and they rushed to save victims of 9-11.”

This exhibit gives Americans in 25 cities a chance to see what the memorial will look like and to make a donation toward the construction.

“I'm very glad to see this. We can't forget our brothers and sisters,” said Birmingham Firefighter, Mike Pennington.

Dewayne Williams' name will be one of thousands of victims' names inscribed at the memorial site. Roy Williams says it's a reminder of a sacrifice that the nation must not forget.

“My daughter was just three when it happened,” said Williams. My son was not born, and they are just starting to ask questions. And I want them to remember they have an uncle who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to be proud of him just like we are.”

The exhibit closed at six and will be moving on to Atlanta this weekend.