Permanent dedication to rescue and recovery workers planned for 9/11 Memorial
The sun rises over the North Pool at the 9/11 Memorial. Image: AFP/Don Emmert
A permanent dedication honoring the rescue and recovery workers at Ground Zero is in development at the 9/11 Memorial in New York with former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart.
To be located on the Memorial Glade, a grassy clearing on the southwest corner of the 8-acre plaza near the Survivor Tree, the commemorative space and walkway will pay tribute to the first responders, firefighters and volunteers who risked their lives and their own health to help in the recovery efforts of the 9/11 disaster.
Fifteen years after the attack, 77,000 responders and survivors are registered under the World Trade Center Health Program. More than 39,000 have at least one condition related to 9/11, many are fully disabled from their injuries, and another 6,000 are living with a 9/11-related cancer linked to the exposure of toxins from the site.
The memorial will remember heroes like FDNY firefighter Ray Pfeifer, who recently died from cancer which he developed from his rescue efforts in 9/11.
“Many rescue and recovery workers will tell you that they responded to Ground Zero because they felt a duty to act,” said Stewart, a long-time 9/11-health advocate and member of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum Board.
“Without regard for their own health and well-being and with no demand for recognition, these men and women played a critical role in helping us all in New York and across the country get back on our feet,” he added. “Today, thousands are living with serious illnesses and dying at an alarming rate. I’m thrilled this is finally happening, that this dedication will give them the recognition they’re due.”
The dedication will expand on existing exhibitions and programming at the memorial and museum, which look at the health effects of the 9/11 disaster on the rescue workers, residents and survivors.
The project will be funded by New York State, Bloomberg Philanthropies and designed with Memorial architects like Michael Arad. JB
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