Camp LeJune 911 Memorial Compares Leather Helmets to Leathernecks
A NYC Fire Department Press release says an 11-foot, 3,000 pound section of steel from the north tower of the World Trade Center. The beam and a plaque commemorating it will be placed next to a similar memorial dedicated to the 241 US Marines killed in the terrorist bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon in 1983. The beam was transported by a convoy including a fire truck marked 343 for the 343 firefighters killed at the WTC was transported on July 2003.
The press release notes:
Retired Fire Lieutenant and founder of the Fire Family Transport Foundation Patrick “Paddy” Concannon acquired the steel beam, which was among several others being used to create memorials around New York City. He and several other members of the department came up with the idea of “leather helmets to leathernecks” as a way to thank the Marines and all the members of the military for everything they have done for the Fire Department, our city and this country since September 11th. The Fire Department like the Marine Corps is rich in history and tradition. One of the more visible traditions of the Fire Department was the old leather helmet our firefighters once wore,” said Concannon. “As many people know, through the years the Marines have been referred to as leathernecks—referring to the high, leather collars that were once a part of their uniforms. That’s how we came up with the idea of leather helmets to leathernecks.”