La Quinta teen brings piece of 9/11 history to Coachella Valley

A piece of steel from the New York City World Trade Center now stands in the Coachella Valley at the La Quinta Civic Center Park, locatedat 78275 Calle Tampico in La Quinta.

Neighbors gathered for the unveiling and dedication ceremony of the 15-foot tall 9/11 memorial on Wednesday.

For Andrew Davis, 18, of La Quinta, what started as a project to earn his Eagle Scout rank turned into a heartfelt masterpiece.

“I wanted people to remember and know what happened and never forget. That’s why I wanted the piece of steel,” said Andrew.

The La Quinta High School senior was only 6 years old at the time of the tragic attacks, but he says it’s a day he’ll never forget.

“My dad was almost killed in the 9/11 Towers. He was out an hour or two before,” said Andrew.

The project, including the memorial and plaque, cost about $100,000 to create. The teen raised $20,000 dollars. The city of La Quinta donated more than $35,000. Local artist Robert Radi paid for the shipping of the steel and also donated his time to help design the memorial.

Andrew lit four candles at the ceremony to remember the four planes that crashed on Sept. 11, 2001.
He says the steel is a piece of history shipped thousands of miles so desert neighbors can honor the thousands of lives lost.

“I know a couple who lost their daughter in the Trade Center. They can come here and know this is their daughter’s grave,” said Andrew.

His father Mike Davis says, “That’s what it’s all about, to give back something for the community to reflect upon that horrible day.”

Three years and a lot of hard work later, finally, the newly awarded Eagle Scout’s project is complete.

“Well worth it. People love it,” said Andrew.