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Signal Hill Artist Creates Metal Sculpture To Honor 9/11 Victims

SIGNAL HILL (CBS) — Local artist and sculptor Patrick Vogel couldn't forget 9/11.

In 2002, on the one year anniversary of the attacks, he premiered "The Unity Monument," a 4,500 pound work of art made from five different metals (to represent the five races of man getting along). The top is shaped as a pentagon, too...to remember the victims who died in the nation's capital.

CBSLA.com spoke to Vogel Saturday about why the Monument -- the only standing monument to the victims of 9/11 in the Southland -- is still so important on the anniversary tomorrow.

"It's to remind people that some of the planes (that crashed that day) were headed here. And I thought it was appropriate to always honor those people, many of whom lived here, had loved ones here, with a lasting tribute."

Vogel, a metal artist and fabricator for 30 years, worked on the project three months -- probably something that should have taken twice as long to complete -- but he was "determined" to have it finished before the first anniversary. The intense work, the custom lighting, finishing without complaint. "It was definitely a labor of love," Vogel says.

On the tenth anniversary Sunday, at 5 p.m. Vogel -- along with a Marine Corps guard, a Long Beach hook and ladder company -- will hold a special memorial celebration to honor the victims. (The monument stands at the intersection of Hill and Temple Streets).

For more information call the City of Signal Hill (562) 989-7330.

For more information about the artist, go to PatrickVogel.com

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