05/30/2026
This morning, we hosted the commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the formal end of rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero. Led by ceremonial units from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), NYPD, New York City Department of Sanitation, New York City Department of Correction and The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, TWU Local 100, community members gathered to recognize those who worked tirelessly at the World Trade Center site in the days, weeks, and months after the attacks. We also honored those who are suffering or have died from illnesses or injuries related to their work there.
Guests heard remarks from New York City Council Member Julie Menin, a member of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Board of Trustees, and John Paluska, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and co-founder of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Visionary Network, who took part in rescue, recovery, and relief efforts at Ground Zero.
Beth Hillman, President and CEO, recognized the extraordinary nine-month effort involving thousands of people, including workers from New York City departments such as Design & Construction, Sanitation, Correction, Buildings, and Parks; the Office of Chief Medical Examiner; and the Transit Workers Union. Hillman also acknowledged organizations like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, along with hundreds of skilled tradespeople—ironworkers, boilermakers, electricians, teamsters, engineers, sheet metal workers, carpenters, and laborers—as well as the U.S. National Guard, military personnel, and many others.
