PHOTO: Park Preserves Memory of 9/11 Victims

Peabody lost three of its own on Sept. 11, 2001.

The devastating terrorist attacks that sent two airplanes crashing into the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center nearly 10 years ago claimed the lives of Peabody residents N. Janis Lasden, 46, and Donald DiTullio (Lasden's boyfriend), 49, and Tanner City native Christine Barbuto, 32.

All three were aboard American Airlines Flight 11, which was hijacked and crashed into the north tower. Lasden and DiTullio were on their way to Palm Springs, Fla. for a vacation while Barbuto, who was living in Brookline, was on a business trip.

After a number of years of debate between members of the neighborhood, the city and the family of the victims, Peabody purchased the small vacant plot at 0 Grandview Ave. and turned it into a memorial park. A large part of the reason the half-acre of land was ultimately selected was because Lasden and DiTullio lived just two doors down.

The flag seen here flying in the wind is encircled by a stand of trees and three benches. The names of the victims will be inscribed on the benches.