Cub Scout Pack 233 of Westbury's World Trade Center's (WTC) Memorial American Flag Quilt has been accepted as part of the permanent collection at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which will be located at the site of the World Trade Center.

In October 2001, members of Pack 233, together with Scouts and volunteers from surrounding communities, 16 states and Canada, began working on the World Trade Center Memorial American Flag Quilt. The goal was to create a fitting tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and ensure that those who lost their lives that tragic Tuesday were not forgotten.

Along the way, Pack 233 received a great deal of support and assistance from many very dedicated volunteers. From Girl Scout troop members nationwide and quilters to senior citizens and mothers, the Westbury Scouts received incredible grass roots support. The ladies at the East Meadow library alone created over 500 patches and volunteers created websites, distributed fliers and aided in the assembly of the thousands of quilt patches that came in. When many assisting in the creation of the quilt wanted to connect with the victim they were memorializing, Pack 233 members cut out bios printed in local newspapers and attached them to the "quilt kits" they created and mailed out to volunteers.

The final result was a 48 feet wide by 26 feet long quilt comprised of more than 5,000 hand-stitched patches. Each patch measures 6 by 6 inches and many are personalized and feature a victim's profession, favorite hobby, sports team, etc. The flag's blue field area was reserved for all uniformed personal while the World Trade Center's two towers are silhouetted. Additionally, the first patch created was for Thomas S. Strada, son of Westbury Village Mayor Ernest Strada, who worked at 2 World Trade Center.

Although rarely displayed due to its delicateness, the quilt has honorably hung at The Mall at The Source and the Chase Building on Stewart Avenue in Garden City. It was also incorporated as part of Westbury Village's 75th Anniversary in 2007 and Nassau County's Candlelight Vigil. Additionally, on Sept, 21, 2001, the quilt was carried onto the field of Shea Stadium by the Scouts, leaders and friends for opening ceremony before 37,000 cheering Mets fans.

The next viewing of Pack 233's Memorial Quilt will be at the April 19 Scout Walk at Christopher Morley Park. This will be the last public viewing for the community before the quilt is presented to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Pack 233 is honored that the memorial quilt will soon have a permanent home as a lasting tribute to the many heroes who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.