From the windows of the Twin Cities Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, staff, volunteers and students witnessed the I-35W Bridge collapse Aug. 1, 2007. It happened just yards away from the chapter’s Minneapolis building.

The Red Cross’ response was instant. Minutes after the bridge fell the Red Cross was on the scene.

The collapse of this bridge not only touched those involved in the disaster, but all Minnesotans. As a way for people to express their feelings about it, the Twin Cities chapter collected photos taken of the bridge and compiled them into an 8-foot by 144-foot memorial wall. It was displayed for the first time at the Minnesota State Fair.

During the 12 days of the fair, thousands viewed the wall and were invited to cover it with their messages.

A 32-foot portion of the 144-foot wall, protected by plexiglass, is on display through Tuesday, April 15, at the Hutchinson Mall, 1060 State Highway 15 S.

The local appearance of the memorial wall traveling exhibit is sponsored by the McLeod County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Kirsten Dean, chapter executive, who first saw the memorial wall at the State Fair, described it as “incredible.”

Dean said the traveling display is available to all chapters.

“We wanted people to be aware of it,” she said. “Its purpose is to promote the response to the bridge and recognize disaster victims and responders who helped.”

Source: Kay Johnson, Hutchinson Leader Staff Writer