As the nation prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the City of Inverness will break ground for a permanent memorial dedicated to the victims of the tragic events.

City officials and others will gather at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at Liberty Park for a brief ceremony to discuss plans for the memorial, and show renderings.

The memorial – to feature two granite columns symbolizing the World Center Towers in New York City – will also include a piece of steel recovered after the towers collapsed from jetliner attacks.

Central Florida Monument Co. is constructing the memorial, and is donating several thousand dollars' worth of materials for the project. The memorial will be located toward the front of the park; a flagpole, landscaping and lighting are included in plans.

The memorial will include the inscription, "Dedicated to the courage, strength and indomitable American spirit of those who perished and those who persevered during the events of September 11, 2001. Inverness Remembers."

Andy Tarpey, a former New York New Jersey Port Authority officer, is leading efforts to raise private donations for the monument. Every year, he and members of the National Association of Retired Law Enforcement Officers put together an exhibit at city hall commemorating the attacks.

Several groups have stepped forward to support the project, including the Professional Firefighters of Citrus County union. An Aug. 18 celebrity bartending fundraiser at The Grove Downtown raised several hundred dollars toward the project, as well.

Costs for the memorial are approximately $15,000; anyone interested in making a contribution can send a check to the City of Inverness, care of the 9/11 Memorial Monument Fund, 212 W. Main Street, Inverness, Fl 34450.

For more information, call (352) 726-2611.