DAYTON - The special 8/4 Memorial in Dayton’s Oregon District is coming together.

It’s a crucial step in the healing process and a way to honor the lives of the nine people who were killed in the mass shooting back in August 2019.

The completed memorial is expected to unveiled as part of the 5th anniversary of the shooting.

For trade workers who get to be a part of the building of the project, it’s a really special feeling.

From concrete finishers, to masons, fabricators and welders, trade workers are an important piece as they work with a team of artists to make the memorial come to life.

Philip Seiley is a stone mason from Yellow Springs.

He and his crew have been out at the site all week.

“I’m just doing some joining on the stone work that we’ve done the past couple of days, and these guys are grinding out their welds on the steel, and then we’re getting prepared for the tile install next Tuesday,” he said.

Volunteers are asked to come to the Trolley Stop to help grout the 500 square-foot mosaic into the ground.

Whether you’re a contracted worker or a volunteer from the community, helping with the project is a way to leave a lasting impression for generations to come.

“I’m very very invested in the idea that this project is going to bring a sense of healing to the community," Seiley said. "This is a fantastic neighborhood, and I think just the collaboration between the trades workers, the artists, the residents of the community, I think it’s very impactful. It’s going to be a monument, you know? It’s going to be here forever. I want my kids to come down here and see this."

If you do plan to volunteer, bring kneepads or something to kneel on like an old towel, pack some old waterproof gloves, and lots of water.

Project organizers will be on site and can provide extra supplies.