Memory Problem

The city has since been providing meeting space for Thompson's group and, while nothing has been approved, could provide some sort of financial support, he says.

"There's been so much turmoil and financial problems in the airline industry in the last year, whatever happens is going to happen with a go-slow approach," McCallum says. In the meantime, there is work to do solidifying plans for the memorial and "putting a structure and organization in place." They formed a nonprofit, the American Memorial Foundation, recruited a board of directors and put up a Web site.

Thompson says the design being contemplated is a fountain topped by a flock of doves. Because it will be somewhat abstract, it skirts the kind of problems voiced by American. "We won't have a problem being what I call politically correct," Thompson says.

The idea has passed muster with Mike Low, who has a great deal of experience with--and emotional attachment to--September 11 memorials. Low's daughter, Sarah Low, was an attendant on Flight 11.

Low, who owns a contracting business in Batesville, Arkansas, says he has been contacted by dozens of memorial efforts. "There are so many of them, it's difficult to remember them all," he says.

He says he is not surprised Thompson's group has problems raising money. "I'd expect with the airline business laying people off and all their difficulties, it will be slow," he says.

Low says simple memorials, such as tree planting and small plaques such as one that was erected in his daughter's honor at the University of Arkansas, have had an easier time finding their way to fruition than more elaborate ones. And in his opinion, there are too many grand ideas going around.

"They wanted to build something in Batesville, and it was relatively expensive. I didn't support it," Low says. "I'd rather see that money funneled into scholarships or to help families that need it." Low says he made an exception in Thompson's case and sent the group a $1,000 donation. "They struck me as sincere," he says.

Well-meaning people, and about a quarter-million dollars that has yet to be raised, is all it takes to get something done.