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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- After a year of planning and six months of fund raising, the Midlands First Responders First Remembrance Memorial is becoming a reality to everyone involved, for whom the memorial has become a passion.

Dan Hennigan, project founder and chairman, said it was in September of 2010 that he witnessed a White Knoll Middle School student read a poem she had written to the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, which honors the brave heroes who gave their lives in service almost 10 years ago to the day.

“I watched that little girl read those words to a wall, and I knew I had to build a memorial,” Hennigan said.  With that moment, he set about creating a team made up of business and community leaders who all shared his vision and desire to honor first responders who serve their neighbors and country every day.

In March, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center became the location for the memorial, which represents the partnership between the City of Columbia, Richland, and Lexington Counties.  On May 9, the official ground breaking saw children of Midlands First Responders who will be honored on the Memorial with shovels in their hands, symbolizing what it means to them.

Once complete, the memorial will include two 25-foot granite pillars that according to Hennigan, symbolize the resolve of the American people.  Also part of the memorial is two mangled beams from the World Trade Center which will be crossed to symbolize the unity of the Country.  The memorial will also bear the names of the 47 First Responders who have given their lives since 9/11/2011.

The project has a price tag of approximately $750,000, of which all but $47,000 has been donated, either in cash or in-kind contributions.  That remaining amount is still being sought through community donations.

Over the last few months, the organizers have held several fund raisers, including a dinner, hosted by Coach Ray Tanner last week at the Convention Center, which raised about $20,000.

Donations are still in need for the Memorial, which will be officially unveiled on Sunday at 3 p.m.  As part of the ceremony, Governor Nikki Haley will be a speaker, it include many elected officials, and have a tribute to the 47 Midlands First Responders and their families.   There are also two flybys planned, including a pair of F-16s, a pair of J-Hawks, and the Sheriff’s Department aircraft, along with an honor guard and 21 gun salute.

For more information on the project, it’s history, or to make a donation, you can log on to their official web page.