The acts of war committed against the United States on Sep. 11, 2001 have caused great pain and suffering for New Yorkers and people throughout our nation and the world. These types of acts will not be accepted by us. Terrorists may be able to destroy the foundations of our greatest buildings, but they can never topple America.

One man's vibrant statement that life goes on.

Posted on Wed, Jul. 03, 2002 Contra Costa Times KAREN HERSHENSON: TIMES COLUMNIST Man cultivates 9-11 memorial WITH DEBATE raging over the Pledge of Allegiance and mounting fear of a second wave of terror, this Fourth of July will be more potent than ever. Big splashy fireworks displays, Old Glory rippling from every pole and antenna. An equally true spirit lies far from the noisy crowd. You can find it on a peaceful street in Pleasant Hill, where one man creates a monument to our darkest hour. Bill Richmond is there twice a day in his straw hat and sandals, carefully watering the dizzying sweep of flowers sprouting along a 400-foot strip on Camelback Road. Red geraniums and orange nasturtiums, mimosa seedlings and wild roses. Once a forgotten weed patch, this place has blossomed into his Twin Towers Memorial Park, an organic burst of patriotism in an unexpected place. "In Memory of Those Unfortunate People Who Suffered The Terrorist Attacks of 9/11/01" reads a sign, with two small flags waving on top. There used to be a painting of the towers, too: blue and white on clear plastic so that when the light shown through it was as if "the buildings were in heaven," says Richmond. Somebody walked off with it one night, he adds, shaking his head. At 67, he has lived in this neighborhood for 20 years. Always loved to garden, even when he was a furniture salesman for J.C. Penney and Levitz. Landscaped the back yards of his last three homes himself. He's an ex-Marine, too, although that doesn't even come up until much later in the conversation. Never went to war, serving instead between Korea and Vietnam. The park idea came to him as he considered that vacant lot, where he and a few neighbors feed feral cats who roam the creekbed. He checked with the city, and learned the land is set aside for watershed. Go for it, they told him. Richmond started in April, determined to put more than 3,000 plants into the ground, one for each person who perished in the triple tragedies of Sept. 11. The design may seem random, but it has purpose: The mixed-up varieties stand for the many different individuals who died. Some suggest he form a nonprofit group to get cash flow going. He could use the money to spiff up the garden with paths and wooden bridges. One biker buzzed up and suggested he put in park benches. But he's not interested. He wants to keep this space pure and simple; one man's vibrant statement that life goes on. While we're talking, a man stops his car. He gets out and hands Richmond some folded bills. Says he lost a good friend, a police officer, when the towers collapsed. Now he does security work at local synagogues. Wants him to plant something, anything. Happens all the time. People pull over to give him a dollar or two, maybe some favorite flower cuttings. Others just honk and wave. Weeks ago, a woman asked him to plant a Christmas cactus, a favorite of her brother, another police officer who lost his life. Everybody feels connected to those harrowing attacks, says Richmond, which is why he's doing this. "Some are directly involved. ... Or their hearts are there." I spot a cluster of poppies growing along the creek, unusual because of their bright red color. Very strange, says Richmond. Those are Flanders poppies, the kind that sprang up on battlefields after World War I. They sell artificial ones on Memorial Day, to pin to your lapel. "It just came up wild," he says. It's late, and as the last light fades, Richmond folds up his hose and heads home. But he'll be there again tomorrow. Reach Karen Hershenson at 925-943-8252 or khershen@cctimes.com.

If you are interested in helping Bill,

contact him at this Email Address:

deanpaint@aol.com

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after Page 2 Memorial garden a living tribute Pleasant Hill man creates beauty, life, to commemorate Sept. 11. By Brandy Underwood Page 3 Paying homage comes naturally Proclamation Page The City of Pleasant Hill CA, honoring a resident whose dedication and efforts have made a difference in our community and nation that will continue to commemorate September 11, 2001. Dated: October 21, 2002 The Monument Placed by the city of Pleasant Hill,Calif. March 31st, 2003 Dedication for the park. 5/05/03 The Garden Thank You If you find his efforts worthwhile, please help support Bill with your generous contribution to help maintain the Garden MESSAGES SEND MESSAGE