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The \u2018whale man\u2019 reflects on his unusual marine mammal memorial honoring the lives lost on 9\/11(Jacob Murphey\/WCTV)<\/p>\nTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – In the wake of unprecedented tragedy, every American processed their grief in different ways. <\/p>\n
The 9\/11 Terrorist Attacks left the nation stunned, with millions suddenly searching for ways to find peace and understanding. <\/p>\n
For Tallahassee resident Bill Brinson, he found peace by repurposing a whimsical front yard project into a marine mammal memorial with purpose. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is Glory. I named her to glorify those that we\u2019ve lost,\u201d he said as he gave WCTV a tour of his former property at the corner of Centerville Road and Olson Road. <\/p>\n
Brinson said he was already working to turn his front yard fountain into a whale diving in the water before September 11th. <\/p>\n
But after the attacks, a friend convinced him to dedicate his whale to world peace. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhales are known for recording moments,\u201d he recalls the friend saying. <\/p>\n
Glory, as he named the first whale, was finished in time for the first anniversary of 9\/11. <\/p>\n
Then, friends suggested he keep going. <\/p>\n
By 2003, a second whale, Hope, emerged breeching from the grassy water line. <\/p>\n
Brinson is an electrician. He worked on the wiring molds and plumbing for each Whale. Friends and family helped paint and plaster the creatures. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a me, it\u2019s a we that helped in all this,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
By 2007, a third whale, Faith, was twisting backwards between the waves. <\/p>\n
And finally, Grace, just a whale tail, was added near the property\u2019s edge and Centerville Road. <\/p>\n
The \u2018whale man\u2019 reflects on his unusual marine mammal memorial honoring the lives lost on 9\/11(Jacob Murphey\/WCTV)<\/p>\n
Together, the quartet became a safe space for people to process their grief. <\/p>\n
Brinson recalls an elderly couple arriving to front porch one day, asking to take a moment to reflect by the whale\u2019s side. <\/p>\n
He recalls the gentleman \u201cbursting out crying and asking forgiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I said, no, sir, this is what it\u2019s for. To let go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Every September, dozens would gather at his home to pay tribute. <\/p>\n
At the ten year service in 2011, Brinson said as many as 70 people showed up. <\/p>\n
But soon after, the numbers dwindled. Soon, just Brinson and his family were left. <\/p>\n
He sold his home a few years ago. These days, the fountains are off and no services are held on site. <\/p>\n
But still, Brinson hopes the whales\u2019 message of peace continues on. <\/p>\n
\u201cRemember the love that we, it brought at that time. This nation was very loving…we need to get back to that.\u201d <\/p>\n
The current owner of the property let Brinson and WCTV view the whales this week up close. <\/p>\n
Today, they\u2019re best viewed driving by or from the sidewalk. The whales are an unofficial tribute to the lives lost during the attacks. <\/p>\n
The World Trade Center beam installed outside the American Red Cross location off Easterwood Drive serves as the city\u2019s official 9\/11 memorial. <\/a><\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n