Bucks Co. 9/11 Memorial Fountain Restored

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — After vandalism earlier this week, the Sept. 11 memorial in Bucks County has been restored in time for observances on Friday.

Lower Makefield Township officials said Wednesday morning that the 9/11 Garden of Reflection fountain was up and running. That's a day after the township reported that the memorial had been vandalized.

Lower Makefield Township Police Lt. Jason Braim said it appeared someone dumped liquid soap into the fountain, at at 1950 Woodside Rd.

"Once the fountain was actively pumping water, it created a large mass of bubbles and foam covering the entire fountain," Braim said. "Maintenance personnel emptied and prepared the fountain to be refilled for use. Everything seems to be working properly with just some expense and time to clean up the mess."

In a social media post Wednesday, township officials shared a link to the memorial's website for anyone who would like to donate to the memorial's upkeep and maintenance.

To observe the 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that killed 2,973 people, the memorial will be hosting a socially distanced drive-through observance on Friday. It will close to foot traffic at 5 p.m. and, at 7 p.m., attendees are invited to drive through a special presentation to the fountains.

There will be remnants from the World Trade Center at the Flag Circle, followed by the towering fountains, symbolizing hope.

"This remembrance ceremony is a reminder that, after darkness, there is light," organizers said.

During the ride, visitors will be able to tune their car radios to hear speeches from 9/11 family members and clergy up to a mile away. More details on this will follow.

Those who are unable to attend may watch live footage of the procession, along with the speeches, via Lower Makefield's Facebook page and YouTube channel, as well as on Verizon Channel 20 and Comcast Channel 22.

The 2.5-acre memorial site was designed by Yardley architect Liuba Lashchyk and has been named Pennsylvania's official 9/11 memorial. It sits within the 62-acre Memorial Park and pays special homage to the 18 Sept. 11 victims from Bucks County.

It was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2006, the fifth anniversary of the attacks.