SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2005
Contact: Peggy Woolridge 605-352-0000

The Rolling 9-11 Memorial Slated For Viewing at Wheel Jam 2005

(Huron, SD)- Wheel Jam II which will be held on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds June 3-5 will showcase The Rolling 9-11 Memorial on June 4-5. 

The names of over 3,000 plus victims from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks are being memorialized and honored daily by two Americans as they travel across the country in their 18-wheeler tribute. The 9-11 Rolling Memorial semi-truck is the original concept of John Holmgren from Shafer, Minnesota. After attending a country music concert featuring Darryl Worley, they were inspired to keep the memories of the victims alive as they hauled their freight across the USA. Darryl’s song, “HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN” was the message they wanted to send to all those that past their truck on the highway. The Holmgrens started out in 2003 with a small mural on an older model semi-truck. The couple painted the images of the World Trade Center towers, an American Flag and the Pentagon on both sides of their vehicle. Thousands of miles later, the couple secured a new eighty-foot semi truck featuring the graphics and the names of all the innocent victims and heroes of that tragic day in America. The names include fireman, police, flight attendants and pilots that gave their lives for freedom. The cab has hand-painted images of a NYC firefighter embracing a child and a NYC Policeman. Many of the victim’s family members have traveled hundreds of miles just to see their family member’s name on the side of the truck. 

The mission of THE 9-11 ROLLING MEMORIAL is to keep the spirit of our fellow Americans alive and to help the families that are still struggling with their loss financially, physically and emotionally. The 9-11 Rolling Memorial Foundation has been created to help families connected with the four 9-11 terrorist assaults with financial assistance for college and high-priority medical assistance.

Wheel Jam II will feature a host of activities including kids games, flea market, a dance featuring Eclipse, United States Audiosound Competition International, and semi, car, and bike shows. Complete details can be found at www.huronsd.com. 

For more information contact the Huron Chamber at 1-800-487-6673.

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