Boy Scout receives 9/11 World Trade Center piece

APOPKA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A 10-foot section of scarred and jagged metal from the original World Trade Center towers has arrived in Apopka to become part of a 9/11 memorial proposed by a local Boy Scout.

Christian Lamphere, 13, wanted to build the memorial to earn his Eagle Scout badge and create a local monument to the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City.  The piece will stand outside Apopka City Hall. 

"I'm really excited to do my project, now that I know I got a piece of the Twin Towers," Lamphere said. 

City Councilwoman Diane Valasquez and her husband, both retired New York City detectives, helped get the piece of the tower to help Lamphere.  Now, others are coming forward to help.  

Luis Morales is a manager at a local Home Depot and has offered supplies and labor.  He worked as a New York City detective during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.  "For this kid to do this, I mean, it's just amazing."

Lamphere's father is a retired firefighter, so memorial takes on a person meaning.  "I'm hoping this always reminds people of what happened and people don't forget it and the bravery of what the firefighters and police officers did."

Lamphere still needs to raise funds to pay for the memorial.   If you want to help, you can donate at a Go Fund Me account, by click here: https://www.gofundme.com/24ceudg