Grapevine, Texas – The Grapevine Police Department is on the hunt for individuals responsible for the theft of stones from the city’s 9/11 memorial. The stones, significant relics from the wreckage of United Flight 93 and the Pentagon, were reported missing from the memorial site on Texan Trail.

Memorial Theft Discovered

On Monday, police were alerted to the disappearance of two stones from the memorial site. Joe Luccioni, a member of the Board of Directors involved in creating the memorial, expressed his dismay, emphasizing the personal significance of the stones. Luccioni, who visits the memorial weekly, lost his daughter’s fiancé in the tragic events of 9/11.

Stolen Stones’ Origin

The stolen stones held deep historical value; one was from the crash site of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, while the other was a fragment of limestone from the Pentagon wreckage. Both stones were gifts to the city, making their disappearance all the more poignant.

Police Investigation

Grapevine police characterized the theft as despicable and launched an investigation. According to Amanda McNew of Grapevine Police, the stones were secured inside enclosures, yet thieves managed to extract them. Surveillance footage is being reviewed, and the timeline of the theft is under scrutiny.

Community Response

The Allied Pilots Association issued a statement applauding the efforts of the Grapevine Police Department to recover the stolen stones. They emphasized the memorial’s importance in honoring the memory of pilots, flight attendants, and first responders who perished on 9/11.

Appeal for Information

Luccioni lamented the lack of understanding among those responsible for the theft, urging them to return the stones. McNew echoed this sentiment, highlighting the futility of the theft and urging anyone with information to come forward.

Call to Action

Individuals with information about the theft are urged to contact Grapevine Police at [email protected].

Protecting the Memory

The theft of stones from Grapevine’s 9/11 memorial serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to preserve and honor the memory of those lost in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As the community rallies to recover these precious relics, it underscores the importance of safeguarding historical monuments for future generations.

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