From Ground Zero to Spanish Fork: How One Foundation is Keeping 9/11 Alive in Utah

In a deeply moving and inspiring initiative, the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, led by proud Gold Star widow Jennie Taylor, alongside Johnny Ferry, Vice President of Business Development, is bringing the 9/11 Project to Utah County. This community-driven event serves as a powerful tribute to the memory of September 11, 2001, intertwining reflection, education, and engagement for people of all ages. The project not only commemorates a pivotal moment in American history but also fosters patriotism and civic responsibility, honoring those who have sacrificed for the nation’s freedom.

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Introduction: A Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy

Jennie Taylor’s journey into the world of public speaking, community service, and patriotic education began with a personal tragedy that resonates with many American families. Twenty-two years ago, she met and married Brent Taylor, a man devoted to both his country and family. Major Brent Taylor served multiple tours in Afghanistan and was tragically killed in combat in November 2018. At the time, Jennie was left a widow with seven young children, ranging in age from almost one year to thirteen.

Rather than retreating into grief, Jennie chose to transform her pain into purpose. Nine months after Brent’s death, on what would have been his 40th birthday, she launched the Major Brent Taylor Foundation. Initially created to raise funds for scholarships in Brent’s name—he was a student at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah—the foundation soon evolved into a beacon of patriotism, community involvement, and remembrance.

Jennie’s foundation now supports endowed scholarships not only at BYU and the University of Utah but also at Utah State University, where Jennie earned her master’s degree and teaches as an adjunct professor, and Weber State University, located in Ogden where Brent served as mayor. These scholarships honor Brent’s legacy while investing in the future of Utah’s youth.

The Heart of the Foundation: Honoring the American Soldier

Jennie’s story goes beyond personal loss; it represents the stories of hundreds of thousands of American servicemen and women who have worn the uniform and made sacrifices across generations. Brent Taylor’s unique crossover as a military officer, elected official, and father of seven made their story a poignant symbol of the cost of freedom. Reportedly the first sitting politician killed in action since the Civil War, Brent’s legacy carries a profound message about sacrifice and service.

Jennie explains, “It’s not the Brent Taylor story that resonates so well with people. It’s the story of the American soldier. It’s the story of the military men and women in uniform who are willing to go into harm’s way to keep us safe and free.” She emphasizes that her work is not about personal gain but about giving voice to a cause greater than herself or her late husband.

Despite the generosity and recognition the family has received—from the Tunnel to Towers organization paying off their mortgage to invitations to ceremonies at the White House—the journey has been exhausting. Jennie openly shares the challenges of living in the public eye, the pain of having her integrity questioned, and the desire to humanize the often abstract concept of freedom.

“Freedom isn’t free,” Jennie states emphatically. “It’s not a slogan. It’s not vinyl on my wall in the ’90s. It’s my dead husband and my seven kids who only have me for the rest of their lives.” Her message is a solemn reminder that the liberties Americans enjoy come at a heavy price paid by those who serve and their families.

Remembering 9/11: The Spark for the 9/11 Project

In January 2021, as Jennie contemplated the future of the foundation amidst the exhaustion of grief and the pandemic’s challenges, she recognized an opportunity to deepen her mission. That September would mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks—a day that fundamentally changed America and the world.

Jennie reached out to Weber County Sheriff Ryan Arbon to inquire if any commemorative events were planned. Finding none, she took the initiative to propose an event that would honor the day and its enduring significance. This meeting led to a collaborative effort involving local leaders, police officers, firefighters, and community members.

Jennie recalls her personal connection to 9/11: she was serving as a missionary in Santiago, Chile, when the attacks occurred and felt a profound sense of missing out on a pivotal moment in her generation’s history. Over the years, especially as her husband served multiple deployments, the significance of 9/11 became deeply personal and intertwined with her family’s own sacrifices.

Her vision was clear: to create an event that would educate, inspire, and engage the community in understanding the true cost of freedom and the spirit of resilience that defines America.

The Birth of the 9/11 Project: A Community-Driven Memorial Experience

Johnny Ferry, with a background in manufacturing trade shows and marketing communications, joined forces with Jennie to bring the 9/11 Project to life. Drawing from his visits to the 9/11 Museum at Ground Zero in New York, Johnny recognized the challenge of making such a profound experience accessible to communities far from New York City—especially in Utah, where few had the opportunity to visit the museum in person.

Johnny explains, “I wondered, will everyone get an opportunity to experience this? There’s a very few amount of people who will travel to New York and walk through and see all, especially from Utah.” His goal was to create an immersive, interactive experience that would bring the story of 9/11 to life locally, bridging generational gaps and fostering a deeper understanding.

Working closely with local partners like Advanced Graphics, a printing company that produces large-scale printed boards, and Home Depot, which helped with the construction of the exhibit framework, Johnny designed a walkthrough, popup museum that is both educational and emotionally impactful.

This exhibit recreates the timeline and emotions of 9/11 through a mix of photographs, videos, 911 calls, and news coverage. It begins with scenes from the day before the attacks—such as Michael Jackson’s birthday, a cultural touchstone—and moves into the unfolding tragedy as visitors walk through a simulated New York City subway tunnel and witness the events as they happened.

The experience is meticulously designed to be immersive and emotionally stirring, allowing visitors to relive the moments of shock, sorrow, and eventual resolve that defined that day.

Connecting Locally: Bringing Utah’s Community Into the Story

One of the unique aspects of the 9/11 Project is its emphasis on local connection. The exhibit highlights the host county’s role and response, making the experience deeply relevant to attendees. For example, in previous locations such as North Ogden and Logan, the exhibit featured images and stories from their respective communities. This local touch helps visitors relate personally to the national tragedy and the spirit of unity that followed.

Visitors are invited to reflect on their own reactions and responses in the days following 9/11—whether it was donating blood, volunteering at soup kitchens, or simply reaching out to neighbors. This aspect of the exhibit channels the powerful energy of collective action into ongoing community service and civic engagement.

A Three-Part Experience: Education, Engagement, and Interaction

The 9/11 Project experience is thoughtfully divided into three parts that engage visitors on multiple levels:

1. The Pop-Up Museum: An emotional, immersive walkthrough featuring large-scale images, videos, and audio that recreate the events and atmosphere of 9/11.
2. The Resource Room: A space where visitors can connect with local organizations offering volunteer opportunities, enabling them to channel their emotional response into meaningful action.
3. The Touch-a-Truck Experience: An interactive outdoor area featuring fire trucks, ambulances, military vehicles, and helicopters where visitors can meet first responders, try on gear, and express their gratitude firsthand.

This comprehensive approach not only educates but also fosters a sense of community, bridging generational divides and connecting uniformed service members with civilians in a positive, meaningful way.

Building Community and Patriotism Through Service

The 9/11 Project has become more than a memorial; it is a catalyst for community cohesion and patriotic education. It brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and political beliefs to reflect on shared values and responsibilities.

Jennie Taylor emphasizes that the project is not about divisiveness or political agendas but about “a humble awareness of an accountability and a responsibility we have” as Americans. The initiative seeks to ignite patriotism in its truest sense—a commitment to hope, opportunity, freedom, responsibility, and service.

With over 500 volunteers supporting each event and attendance numbers reaching 30,000 people—including many school groups who come on field trips—the 9/11 Project demonstrates the power of grassroots engagement. Teachers from various counties arrange buses to bring students, ensuring that younger generations understand the significance of 9/11 beyond textbooks.

Johnny Ferry credits Jennie’s inspiring leadership for the project’s success, noting her ability to “bring the people” and create an event that is accessible, family-friendly, and deeply impactful. Together, they have turned a personal tragedy into a community treasure that honors the past while inspiring future generations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the 9/11 Project

The 9/11 Project continues to expand its reach across Utah, with upcoming events planned for Utah County at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. The exhibit requires a substantial footprint—at least 200 by 100 feet—and is typically hosted in large, underutilized venues like exhibit halls or rodeo grounds that can accommodate the immersive setup and parking needs.

As the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, which also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the foundation and its partners are already planning to elevate the project’s impact. They are considering whether to rotate the exhibit through different cities or establish anchor locations for recurring events. Cities such as South Jordan, St. George, Davis, and Logan have expressed interest in hosting the exhibit.

Jennie and Johnny invite educators, youth leaders, business managers, and community members to participate actively—whether by attending, volunteering to help build and dismantle the exhibit, or engaging their teams in the experience. The construction of the exhibit is a community effort, with the entire display assembled in a single day and taken down in just a couple of hours.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Patriotism, Service, and Unity

The 9/11 Project, presented by Jennie Taylor and the Major Brent Taylor Foundation along with Johnny Ferry’s expertise, is a testament to the power of storytelling, remembrance, and community action. It honors the sacrifices of those lost on September 11, 2001, and those who continue to serve, while educating and inspiring current and future generations to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy.

Jennie Taylor’s personal story of love, loss, and resilience is woven into the fabric of the project, reminding us all that freedom comes at a price. Her dedication to paying forward the generosity and support her family has received reflects the very essence of the American dream—a dream built on hope, opportunity, responsibility, and mutual support.

Through the 9/11 Project, communities come together to remember, to learn, and to serve. It bridges divides, fosters understanding, and channels the spirit of 9/11 into ongoing acts of kindness and patriotism. This is more than an exhibit; it is a movement to keep the memory alive and to inspire all Americans to live their dreams while helping others live theirs.

For those in Utah County and beyond, the 9/11 Project is an unmissable experience—one that educates, moves, and unites. It is a powerful reminder that the price of freedom is real and that every citizen plays a part in honoring that legacy.

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