9/11 Beam Stirs Emotions, Memories With Visit To O’Brien’s Pub in Brandon

As the nation gets ready to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, a piece of that history came to Brandon is stirring memories and emotions of one of the darkest days in the history of United States.

Some touched it, others just stared silently, but no one walked away from the twisted piece of metal unmoved, and that’s exactly what Gregg Wyckoff of Lithia wanted.

“So many of our brothers were there that day in New York so to be able to bring a piece of the World Trade Center here as a tribute to them means everything to us,” said Wyckoff, vice president of the Westside Chapter of the Nam Knights, a motorcycle club of former and active military and law enforcement personnel based in Eastern Hillsborough County. Club members picked up the beam in New York City last week.

Andy Huber of Valrico, a Nam Knight and former New York City detective, was instrumental in bringing the beam to Brandon.

“My best friend is a battalion chief in New York, and when we asked about finding a beam coming up to the 10th anniversary, he told me to come over to the fire training center on Randall’s Island where we picked up the beams Tuesday (Aug. 23),” Huber said.

Beams in tow, Knights members were escorted across bridges and roads in New York City by local law enforcement. State troopers and local Nam Knights chapters along the East Coast also joined in, escorting the motorcade for sections of the ride to Brandon.

Rob Gerson of Valrico was among those who drove to , 701 W. Lumsden Road, Aug. 27 to see the beam.

“You just think of the devastation and loss of life when you first see it,” said Gerson, whose uncle was among the first responders on 9/11 in New York. “It brings a real perspective to life to see it.”

Gerson’s daughter, Isabelle, was 4 years old the day four planes changed the history of the world.

“I don’t remember it but I have seen the videos. This is different to see it, though,” said the 14-year-old. “It makes me think about all those people that died that day.”

Although they may not remember the day, the event still has a deep significance for her generation.

“Some kids my age still get upset when they see it on TV,” she said.

The Nam Knights plan to display the beam around the Bay area before it takes up permanent residence at the Nam Knights clubhouse in Plant City where it will take pride of place in a monument members are building.

Harley Davidson of Brandon, 9841 E. Adamo Drive, Tampa, will host a viewing of the beam on Sept. 11.