Saturday, a piece of the World Trade Center towers from New York was dedicated in Colorado Springs. The memorial is not only a way to honor those lives lost on September 11, 2001, but also a way to recognize those soldiers who have given their lives since that day.

Two-thousand miles away from New York, a piece of American history now stands as a reminder of a day that changed everything.

"This isn't just about the people who were killed on 9/11. It's about everyone who served and sacrificed so much since 9/11," said Capt. Patrick Dowdell, who is stationed at Ft. Carson, and whose firefighter father was killed when the twin towers collapsed.

The memorial is a piece of twisted metal from the World Trade Center, but now it's also a symbol of much more.

"This is just kind of a reminder of what we're doing and why we're out here doing what we're doing," said Dowdell. "The sacrifices that soldiers are making every day just for freedom."

Saturday's ceremony brought together two groups of men and women who put their lives on the line.

Capt. Liam Flaherty is a firefighter from New York, who worked with Dowdell's dad.

"This is an absolute honor. It's very humbling to be here," said Flaherty.

In a speech during the dedication of the memorial, Flaherty referenced an image portrayed by artist Jeff Grier, showing a New York firefighter passing the American flag on to a soldier, with the quote "I'll take it from here."

"They walk the walk, they talk the talk," said Flaherty. "As NYFD, we admire that. They put it all on the line for us."

Dowdell agreed that it was important to have both groups together for the day. "To have them all here in one spot, and to be able to do the memorial today is really a special thing."

Major General David G. Perkins addressed the group during the dedication. He also read a letter from former president George W. Bush, thanking the 4th Infantry Division for their service.

The memorial is now open to the public at the main gate to Fort Carson. There are also plans for other memorials to be placed throughout Colorado Springs honoring the lives lost on September 11th, 2001.