On Sept. 11, 2001 the world we knew, here in the United States, changed drastically. If you were watching television that day, you watched in total disbelief as the twin towers in New York City were felled by hijacked airplanes. Those of us alive then still remember where we were and the fear we felt that day as war came to our shores. We will remember that day until we die.

William Fasick, who is 16,  was not born at that time but remembering the fallen of 9/11 has become etched in his mind. Through his research and visits to Shenksville, Pennsylvania and New York City, he has learned about the terrorist attacks and he has vowed to make sure that those that lost their lives that day will not be forgotten.

Fasick is a Boy Scout in Troop 13. His uniform is decked with badges illustrating his journey as a scout. He is also the chaplain for his troop, and has been for four years. As in years past, he has been instrumental in an event at the Oxford Veterans Memorial, remembering all those who lost their lives on Sept. 11. It is a solemn and emotional moment for him and all those involved. And during this event he always felt something was missing. What was missing was a memorial in the park dedicated to those who lost their lives on that fateful day.

When it came time for him to do his Eagle Scout Project, he chose to build a memorial in the Oxford Memorial Park to remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day.

 “When I first saw a video of that day, I was saddened that someone was evil enough to indiscriminately kill people,” Fasick explained. “I believe many people, young and old, understand the magnitude of what happened that day and grasp how many people were lost. I want to insure that they will be remembered.”

Fasick hopes to have his monument installed in the park by May of 2024. He is now raising money, $11,500, to complete that.

“I am working with a monument company, and we have to have half of that amount before they will start,” he explained. “I estimate it will take six to seven months to raise that money. Then we will get a design. The monument is five feet tall. It is four-sided and made of granite. The monument will have details on it about each location. There will be a 12-foot by 12-foot patio around the moment which I and other scouts will be building.”

Fasick already started spreading the word at a recent First Friday. He will also be enlisting the help of his brother, D. J. Fasick, at Chesapeake Water Tours, who will host the tours on the Chesapeake.

Enjoy a cruise and indulge in light food and refreshments while you enjoy the crisp, cool air as you depart for a delightful Fall Foliage experience complete with hot cider and donuts on Saturday, Oct. 28. Boarding begins at 10:45 a.m., departs at 11 a.m. for a 90-minute cruise.

Tickets are $45 per person, with all proceeds benefitting Fasick’s Eagle Scout project, the 9/11 Memorial Monument in the Oxford Memorial Park.

If you are interested in donating please send donations to @WillFasick on Venmo or you can contact him at: [email protected]. Checks can be made payable to Troop 13 and sent to Will Fasick at 25 N. Third Street, Oxford, Pa 19363. Donations are tax deductible.