A Permanent Dedication to Ground Zero Workers at the 9/11 Memorial Planned

Governor Andrew Cuomo and National September 11 Memorial & Museum Board Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg with Board Member Jon Stewart today announced plans for the development of a permanent dedication at the 9/11 Memorial to recognize the rescue and recovery at Ground Zero. New York State, through its affiliates, and Bloomberg Philanthropies will provide support and funding for the permanent dedication that will be located on the Memorial Glade. For several months, Memorial and Museum officials have been exploring creating a commemorative space and walkway to recognize rescue and recovery workers. The glade is the grassy clearing on the southwest corner of the 8-acre plaza near the Survivor Tree.

"Fifteen years after 9/11, we still feel the pain and loss as if it were yesterday," Governor Cuomo said. "This new tribute will be a poignant reminder of the selflessness and courage of our first responders, who embody the best of New Yorkers, and ensure their sacrifice will never be forgotten."

The Memorial and Museum will lead in the planning, design and development of the dedication with the Memorial’s architects, including Michael Arad. The dedication would expand on existing exhibitions and programming that examine the impact the 9/11 disaster had on the health of those who were exposed, including first responders, workers, survivors, residents and others.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum Board Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg, New York City's 108th mayor, who led the revitalization of lower Manhattan after 9/11, said, "Thousands of people converged at the World Trade Center site immediately after the attacks to show the world that our city and our country were not defeated. We owe these men and women of the recovery a great debt of gratitude and they deserve a fitting tribute for their courage, sacrifice and bravery."

 
Governor Cuomo, 9/11 victims’ family members, 9/11-health advocates and others are lending their support. Governor Cuomo has long been committed in helping to ensure those suffering from 9/11-related illnesses have access to the resources they need. This includes legislation he signed providing $9 million in state aid for 9/11 workers suffering from health problems and extending time for workers and volunteers to secure additional workers’ compensation, disability and accident death benefits.
 
Jon Stewart, longtime 9/11-health advocate and member of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Board, said, "Many rescue and recovery workers will tell you that they responded to Ground Zero because they felt a duty to act. Without regard for their own health and wellbeing 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. 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."

9/11 Memorial & Museum Board Member Lee Ielpi, whose firefighter son, Jonathan Ielpi, died on 9/11, arrived at the World Trade Center shortly after the second collapse and returned daily to help with rescue and recovery operations. As a tradition with the FDNY, where Ielpi served for more than 25 years, he worked over nine months in an attempt to recover all who were lost, including his son of FDNY’s Squad 288.

Lee Ielpi, who is also president of the 9/11 Tribute Museum, said, "I have hope that this dedicated place to reflect will help to offer a sense of peace and help ensure these men and women will always be remembered for their many sacrifices. The memories of their time here and its lasting effects have not faded. Our commitment to them has not faded either."

FealGood Foundation President John Feal said, "I am humbled and awed to play a small part in assisting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in ensuring history is never distorted and the plight of all 9/11 responders is told accurately. Building a permanent dedication that best represents not only our city but our nation’s heroes on such sacred grounds validates the heroic actions of those in uniform and non-uniform who gave so much of themselves that horrific Tuesday morning, and continue to give of themselves to this day."

National September 11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO Alice M. Greenwald said, "After the towers fell, and before the dust cloud settled, these remarkably brave men and women risked their lives, and health, as they joined the response and helped start the process of recovery. We should always remember what they endured in the aftermath of the attacks as they paved the way for this city and our country to rebuild."

911 Health Watch Executive Director Benjamin Chevat said, "Every day, injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors from every state across the country continue to have to deal with the health effects from their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero over fifteen years ago.  There are currently over 77,000 9/11 responders and survivors participating in the World Trade Center Health Program.  More than 39,000 have at least one condition related to 9/11, with more than 6,000 having a 9/11 related cancer.  There are many that are fully disabled by their injuries, and too many have died from them, like FDNY Firefighter Ray Pfeifer who, after a long fight, died just the other day from his 9/11 cancer. Establishing a permanent dedication on the plaza of the National 9/11 Memorial that reminds the country of the extent of the health crisis facing so many is a fitting tribute to responders like Ray and the thousands of others like him.  We thank Governor Cuomo, 9/11 Memorial Board Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg and Board Member Jon Stewart for their leadership with this effort."

Today, the Memorial and Museum will honor the men and women of the nine-month rescue and recovery effort as part of a week-long tribute commemorating the 15th anniversary of May 30, 2002, which marked the formal end of recovery operations at the World Trade Center. The tribute includes a special ceremony in the Museum near the Last Column, the final steel beam ceremonially removed from Ground Zero when recovery operations ended. Culminating in a moment of silence to remember those who have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses, the event will conclude with participants tying ribbons at the base of the Last Column. 

For more information about the week of dedicated programs and commemorative activities please visit 911memorial.org.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo