EMMITSBURG, MD -- The photograph of three firefighters raising a flag amid the rubble at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, pushed Stan Watts to create.
"I'm sure every American felt the same way I did," he said. "But, I wanted to do more. I never got that image out of my mind."
Watts, a sculptor from Utah, obtained permission from the photographer and the three firefighters to create a monument to honor the men who didn't make it out of the World Trade Center.
On Tuesday, Watts' heart nearly skipped a beat as he raised the flag on his gigantic project. "Spectacular -- that's the only thing I can say. Spectacular. They came alive when the ropes slipped through their hands."
There were many long hours, strategic planning sessions and sleepless nights. But those were far from Watts' mind as he saw the flag flying on his monument for the first time.
In an earlier interview, Watts said he was adamant that his project -- To Lift a Nation -- would be an accurate representation of the historic event. He immediately dismissed suggestions that he change the firefighters to make them "politically correct."
"I kept thinking about Iwo Jima, and what it has stood for all these years. The raising of a flag is a rallying point for the nation."
Watts said he would abandon the monument idea before altering history. He held steadfast in his convictions, and managed to obtain financial supporters.
The firefighter figures sculpted in clay and cast in bronze made their way from their Utah birthplace to the campus of the National Fire Academy in Maryland last weekend.
In the past few days, Watts has overseen a crew erecting his project just yards away from the National Fallen Firefighters' Monument.
Each firefighter stands about 19 feet tall. The flag pole is about 40 feet high. A light will shine on the stars and stripes at night.
"A real flag will give life to it," Watts said.
Dan Watts, 18, who helped his father with the project, also was at a loss to describe his emotions. "It was awesome the way it turned out. It's been an interesting process."
The flag was raised under a cloudy sky. But, the sun broke through moments later.
The creator believes it's fitting that the monument is located near the national memorial. "This is just perfect. It's where it belongs."
National Fallen Firefighter Foundation Executive Director Ron Siarnicki agrees. "What an impressive addition we have. We are very fortunate to have it part of the memorial park. I think it will be very well-received."
The monument will be dedicated during ceremonies on Nov. 5.
