Bishop Michael Pfeifer Disturbed by Desecration of 9/11 Monument

Bishop Michael David Pfeifer visited the San Angelo 9/11 monument yesterday to give his acknowledgment of the theft that occurred last weekend. 

“When I learned about the damage to the 9/11 monument, it really disturbed me,” Bishop Pfeifer said.  

The Bishop called a press conference Friday afternoon after hearing about the event to reflect on the significance of the monument to the people of San Angelo and the rest of the nation.

“We came to remember one of the most tragic days in the U.S., and probably the greatest tragedy regarding a terrorist attack in the nation’s history.”

Rosey R. Velez lived in New York and was part of the emergency medical services during the early 2000s, and he showed his disappointment with the desecration of the monument.

“This is a slap in the face of every first responder, military member, child, and adult in the city," Velez said. He added that everybody in the community earned and fought for the piece of the World Trade Center that was normally displayed on the monument. 

Below: Bishop Michael Pfeifer and SAPD Officer Tracy Gonzalez discuss the reward being offered for information on this crime. (LIVE! Photo/Cameron Niblock)

“There are a lot of big cities that don’t have part of the World Trade Center, and [San Angelo] has two of them,” he noted.

Mayor Dwain Morrison, who attended the press conference, also had a lot to say about the importance of the monument and how this one act has devalued that importance.

“We have gathered here today, just to let it be known what has happened in our city,” Morrison said. “This wonderful memorial had been setup to honor the people who had died, and now someone has stolen it.”

Morrison also said the community is not happy; citizens want to know where the steel is located, and they want to find those responsible for the act of vandalism.   

Tilly Chandler, who attended the ceremony, spoke of her deep sadness for not only the disrespect shown to those who lost their lives during 9/11, but also for Bishop Pfeifer because he worked tirelessly to have this monument placed in the community.  

“My heart just broke for him,” Chandler said. “And the rest I felt was pure anger for those careless enough to commit this act of vandalism.”

Additionally, Bishop Pfeifer spoke of the original plan for the monument a couple of years after 9/11 with the help of the architect Craig Kinney. They wanted to build the monument to remember the tragedy of the attack on the World Trade Center, and also to pay respects to Judy Rowlett, a San Angelo citizen who died on 9/11.

“It was with the spirit of patriotism, and the concern for these victims, that inspired me as a religious leader to bring together an effort to have this monument in San Angelo,” said Pfeifer.

After working with Howard Taylor and the City Council, San Angelo gained the rights to build the monument, and it was introduced to the public in September 2003.

The piece of steel that is placed on top of the monument was given to Bishop Pfeifer by the Cardinal Archbishop of New York City, Edward Egan. Pfeifer recalled the hundreds of people who came to witness the retrieval of the steel prior to the monument being finished.

Above: Bishop Pfeifer blesses the 9/11 Monument. (LIVE! Photo/Cameron Niblock)

Bishop Pfeifer acknowledged that, as a religious leader, he would forgive the individuals who committed this terrible crime, and he hopes they can find it in their hearts to return the steel that symbolized the sacrifice of all of those who lost their lives during 9/11. He then conducted a blessing on the monument.

Tracy Gonzalez, public information officer for the San Angelo Police Department, came forward after the presentation to speak on SAPD's efforts in finding those responsible. She said there is a reward being offered to help with any information involving the investigation.

“The Crime Stoppers of San Angelo are offering up to $1,000 for any information leading to an arrest,” Gonzalez said. “It’s very important that we make that clear.”

In addition, Gonzalez mentioned that citizens have offered additional reward money. She didn’t know the exact total at this time, but it is expected to be over $1,000 on top of the money from Crime Stoppers.

Gonzalez mentioned that those interested can go to http://www.sanangelocrimestoppers.com, or visit their Facebook page. The 24-hour hotline number is 325-658-4357, and tips can also be sent online and through text as well.

Bishop Pfeifer mentioned he will add an additional $250 to the reward donation for this cause and thanked those in attendance for coming to pay their respects during this difficult time.