Collier County Freedom Memorial gets funding for completion

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- A September 11 memorial is finally getting the boost it needs.

The Freedom Memorial has been in the works for more than a decade. It sits unfinished off Goodlette Frank Road and Golden Gate Parkway.

Now it appears the memorial will finally get its finishing touches, and it couldn’t come at a more appropriate time.

“Thanks to the public for their generosity, thank you,” said North Naples fire employee Jerry Sanford.

Sanford is the mastermind behind the Freedom Memorial, a project honoring veterans and victims of the September 11 attacks.

He’s is a retired New York City firefighter and police officer. He says he lost many friends on September 11.

“Soon the fence will come down that surrounds it. I’m so happy to say and I’m just choked up that, I never thought this day would come after all those years.”

Since October, Sanford has been able to raise $525,000 through fundraisers and donations.

The money will help finish the memorial, including a reflection pool, 50 stepping stones representing each state, three benches to represent the three terror attacks on 9/11 and the finishing touches to the flag.

“The county is going to match us with another $600,000 and the City of Naples is generous also and giving us $100,000, so we have over a million dollars,” said Sanford. “I don’t know how fast were gonna move on it, but ideally it would be great if we could have it opened up or dedicated this September 11.”

On the eve of Memorial Day weekend, Sanford, a Navy veteran himself, tells WINK News this announcement couldn’t come at a more fitting time.

“We have to thank those from the greatest generations, all of those in all the wars, everyone that’s fighting now in outpost all over the world that are helping us stay free and allowing us free speech.”

Sanford will present the check at Tuesday’s commissioner’s meeting.