Iron Worker Recounts Recovery at Ground Zero
Iron Worker Recounts Recovery at Ground Zero
In recognition of the anniversary of the formal end of the recovery effort at Ground Zero, below is an oral history recounted by an iron worker who participated in those efforts.
(Audio)
William Quindlan, a Local 40 iron worker who worked on the construction of the World Trade Center in the late 1960s and the rescue and recovery effort after 9/11, recounts his memories of the Last Column and working at Ground Zero. On May 28, 2002, Quindlan helped prepare the Last Column for a private ceremony held that evening for rescue and recovery workers. Known as “the Last Column cut down ceremony,” workers signed the beam to mark the end of the recovery effort at the WTC site. Two days later, the Last Column was ceremoniously removed from the site, officially marking the end of the nine-month effort.
In honor of the 13th anniversary of this historic event, on May 28, the Museum will have extended hours from 4 p.m. to midnight for the 9/11 rescue and recovery worker community. A special tribute with a moment of silence to honor those who responded, including those who lost their lives to 9/11-related illnesses, will take place at 6 p.m. in Foundation Hall. Learn more about how to register.
By Jenny Pachucki, Content Strategist
Previous Post
Student Reflects on Trip to 9/11 Memorial
The spirit of Memorial Day was captured perfectly in a guest column today by Michaela Aptt in the Sun Chronicle of North Attleboro, Mass. The writer was part of a large group of high school students who recently visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Next Post
9/11 Memorial Welcomes One World Observatory
Today, One World Observatory opens its doors to the world. The beautiful One World Trade Center has helped reclaim the skyline of New York City and now, for years to come, millions of visitors will be a part of seeing the unmatched vistas that it offers.