The Palo Alto 9-11 Monument Committee invites the community to gather on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, beginning at 5 p.m. for the unveiling and rededication of the revitalized Michael D. Ferugio Monument.
The ceremony will take place on Bacon St., adjacent to the Bacon Street Playground in Palo Alto, as the community comes together on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to remember Michael and all those whose lives were lost that day.
Michael D. Ferugio was a proud Palo Alto native who tragically lost his life in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. The monument bearing his name has served as a lasting tribute in his hometown, and an extensive revitalization project will ensure that his memory – and the memory of all those lost on 9/11 – continues to be preserved for generations to come.
The improvements to the monument and surrounding area total more than $20,000 and were funded entirely through donations, with businesses, organizations, community members and friends of Michael coming together to make the project possible.
Assistant Fire Chief and Monument Committee Member Jared Diehl said, “This upgrade has been in the works for over two years. I reached out to Borough Secretary Angela LaSelva, who said, ‘Let’s make it happen,’ and eventually a committee was formed. With the help of groups like the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Port Authority Police Department Benevolent Association, we will be unveiling something very special to honor Michael and all those lost on September 11, 2001.”
The revitalized memorial will include several significant additions that will be formally unveiled during the ceremony.
Committee Member Jeffrey Dunkel said the tremendous community response to the project reflects the impact Michael had on those who knew him.
“The outpouring of support from businesses and those who knew Michael speaks volumes about who he was. There were three donors who truly went above and beyond: Womer Landscaping, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542, and Patterson Block. Without them, this would not have been possible.
“These upgrades and the special pieces being added make this a truly unique tribute, one that will continue to honor Michael and all of the innocent lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. We will never forget,” he said.
Food and refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.
Parking & Traffic Information
Attendees should be aware that temporary traffic and parking restrictions will be in effect along Bacon Street beginning at approximately 4:00 p.m. and continuing until the completion of the event.
Public parking will be available at the Citizens Fire Company lot. Additional parking will also be available at Mountainside Bible Church, located at Union Street and Cadbury Street.
A shuttle provided by Mountainside Bible Church will be available from both parking areas to transport attendees to and from the ceremony.
Limited handicap parking will be available near the monument for vehicles displaying a valid handicap placard.
The Palo Alto 9-11 Monument Committee encourages residents, first responders, community organizations and members of the public to attend this special ceremony as Palo Alto honors one of its own and marks the 25th anniversary of a day that forever changed our nation.
Event Details
- What: Michael D. Ferugio Monument Rededication & 9/11 Day of Remembrance
- When: Friday, September 11, 2026 — 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Bacon Street, adjacent to the Bacon Street Playground, Palo Alto, PA
- Parking: Citizens Fire Company lot and Mountainside Bible Church at Union Street & Cadbury Street
- Shuttle: Available from both parking areas, provided by Mountainside Bible Church
- Handicap Parking: Limited spaces near the monument with a valid placard
Information from a press release/Coal Region Canary photo
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