The first responder truck commissioned by General Motors (GM) has been completed and is ready for its trip to Ground Zero for the upcoming 9-11 anniversary.  The New York City Port Authority has arranged for it to be displayed at Ground Zero for two days, September 6 and 7, 2011.  This truck honors the 441 first responders that lost their lives on that September day.  After it’s viewing at Ground Zero, General Motors  will tour this commemorative truck around the United States for the next two years in honor of the 441 men and women who gave their lives for their communities which they served.
 
GM allowed the crew to give a sneak preview to local first responders in Cosby, Tennessee where it was customized by the world famous airbrush artist, Mickey Harris.  Harris captured the courage of the first responders that raced up those stairs when all others ran down.  The art work depicts the history of the 10 years since, including the cleanup and the resolve of the American people in the rebuilding of the Freedom Towers and the Pentagon.  Harris is widely known for his work on another GM top secret project, the “American Pride Camaro.”  The “American Pride Camaro” can be viewed at, www.mickeyharrisart.com/2010/10/latest-work-camaro/ u>http://www.mickeyharrisart.com/2010/10/latest-work-camaro/>
 
The first responders of East Tennessee (fire, law enforcement, EMS and EMA) will be escorting the Semi carrying this icon to the Tennessee state line on its journey to NYC on Saturday, September 3rd. at 3:00 pm.  The team is calling on all first responders along the route to park on overpasses or escort it along the way, to salute this tribute to our fallen heroes.  “We are one nation united to never forget!”

The route from Newport, Tennessee to New York City will be as follows:

     -  Hwy. 25 to I-81 at exit 8

     -  I- 81 North to 78 East
     -  78 East to 278 North
     -  278 North to 80 East
     -  I-80 to the George Washington Bridge
     -  GW Bridge to 178th Street Exit
     -  Right on Broadway to Columbus (9th Ave)
     -  Right on Columbus
     -  Right on 57th
     -  Right on 11th, left to 12th (Westside Hwy)
     -  Go South to Barclay

For further information on how your agency can salute this tribute to our fallen heroes, please contact Chief Walt Cross with the Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department at 423-608-8400.