Jared Bruns was in third grade when terrorists flew airplanes into the World Trade Center twin towers, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field on Sept. 11, 2001. Five years later as a Boy Scout, he started working on an idea for a living memorial to all the people who were killed that day.

On June 21, he and 13 helpers created the memorial in a quiet spot near trees and grass in Lemont between Lemont fire station No. 1 and the now-closed Totura’s Food Center.

The memorial, which Jared made for his Eagle Scout project, consists of two young silver maple trees that represent the twin towers, Jared said. It has four dwarf burning bushes representing the four hijacked planes, other assorted plants, a bench, several flat stones creating a path and a small sign baring the words of the military bugle call, “Taps.” The planting is arranged in a patch of ground covered by bark chips in the shape of a teardrop.

“What happened on Sept. 11 is something we should never forget,” Jared said. “I put this in so parents can bring their children here.”

He said the memorial is for all the victims of the attacks, the civilians in the buildings and planes, the firefighters and paramedics.

Lemont firefighters and police officers have expressed their thanks, Jared said.

“They’re so grateful for it,” he said.

Jared continues to help maintain the area, replenishing the planting with new bark occasionally, he said. The Lemont Fire Department waters the plants periodically.

Two area home improvement stores donated the plants, and the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club donated the bark to cover the ground, he said. His brother’s landscaping company contributed use of tools.

Jared has been a scout since second grade.
 
“Camping is definitely fun,” he said. “In Boy Scouts you meet a lot of different people. ... I’ve learned a lot of different skills. You learn a lot of leadership skills.”