A specially customized Marten Transport trailer will carry metal artifacts from the collapsed World Trade Center twin towers to Hattiesburg, Miss., to become part of a permanent memorial at The University of Southern Mississippi.


A Marten driver will haul the two pieces of twisted steel, secured by the City of Hattiesburg, from New York City to Hattiesburg in time for an official transfer to the university at halftime of Southern Miss' football season opener against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 3 at M.M. Roberts Stadium.

The fragments are described as cut steel wall spandrel measuring 72 inches in length by 12 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Each piece weighs approximately 200 pounds.

"It is an honor to play a role in establishing this memorial at USM," says Dave Meyer, Marten Transport senior director of maintenance. "All of us at Marten mourned with the nation over the lost lives on 9/11 and are proud to honor those who serve this country today. Moving these artifacts to Mississippi is just one way for us to show our support."

Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree made the request on the city's behalf for artifacts from the demolished World Trade Center almost two years ago. After receiving notification that the request had been approved, DuPree decided that the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at Southern Miss would serve as the appropriate home to honor the memory of those who perished and those who survived the attacks.

Lou Marciani, NCS4 director, said plans call for the university to initiate a fundraising campaign to erect a fitting memorial that will serve as a reminder to those attending sporting events at Southern Miss and around the world that the National Center is committed to the priority of making sport venues safe and secure.

The customized trailer were on display over the weekend at the Eau Claire Big Rig Truck Show>A? in Eau Claire, Wis.