By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
It has been 23 years since our nation lost nearly 3,000 lives during the terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001. Each year, the memory fades a little, but we pause to
remember where we were when the world changed for so many. Local reminders of that
tragic day are few, but they serve as powerful symbols of resilience and remembrance.
One such symbol is the tree planted on the Harrison County School Board property on
Main Street in Clarksburg. I remember when it was just a sapling—today, it stands as a
mature tree, a silent witness to the passing years and the lives we lost.
Recently, I was heartened to see a new 9/11 memorial mural dedicated at the Cheat
Lake Volunteer Fire Department in Monongalia County. A large crowd turned out to view
this impressive work of art, created by students from the Fairmont State University Art
Department under the direction of Joel Dugan, a talented artist with several large murals
throughout Central West Virginia.
My granddaughter, Ali Bartlett, a senior Art Major at Fairmont State, was one of the four
students who worked on this mural. In fact, she was depicted in the mural as a person
in need of rescue, being saved by a firefighter on a ladder. Ali is the daughter of a first
responder, and, as Professor Dugan pointed out during the dedication ceremony, his
students represent the first generation of young adults born after the 2001 attacks. That
observation gave me pause, prompting me to reflect on how historical events shape the
lives of those who experienced them firsthand, and how they resonate with future
generations.
For my generation, events like Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President John F.
Kennedy, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. still live vividly in our
memories. I was only 13 years old when JFK was shot, and it forever altered my
perception of the world—robbing me of a sense of innocence I still regret losing. I was a
senior in high school when Dr. King was killed on April 4, 1968, and just two months
later, on June 6th, Robert Kennedy was also gunned down. These moments remain
etched in our collective consciousness, much like 9/11 does for so many today.
The mural at the Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department offers a powerful visual
representation of the bravery and sacrifice of our police, fire, and EMS personnel. Their
courage, their willingness to rush toward danger to save others, is depicted in vivid,
striking colors that evoke the intensity of fire and danger. The human faces of the first
responders bring the mural to life, reminding us of the real-life heroes who walk among
- At the dedication ceremony, those very public servants stood before the mural, their
presence making the depiction even more poignant.
The funding for this mural project came from several grants, and a local business
generously donated materials and labor for the framing. Professor Dugan and his
students volunteered their time and talents to bring this vision to life. The mural is
located outdoors, adjacent to the Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department's parking lot,
off the Cheat Lake exit of Interstate 68. It is well worth a visit to see this remarkable
piece of community art and reflect on the selflessness of those who dedicate their lives
to saving others.
Public art is a treasure in any community. It brings awareness to moments and people
that should never be forgotten. I encourage everyone to support public art in your
community. It not only beautifies our surroundings but also keeps alive the memory of
those who have given so much.