World Trade Center Steel Going to 9/11 Memorials

Thousands of pieces distributed all over US and 5 countries
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 24, 2011 6:35 AM CDT
World Trade Center Steel Going to 9/11 Memorials
A man stops at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, N.J., to look at steel from the World Trade Center towers that will be incorporated in a memorial at the cemetery.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Charred, twisted clumps of steel left over from the World Trade Center attacks are being sent to thousands of fire departments, police departments, and cities around the US for memorials to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, reports Reuters. "These serve as centerpieces of history for towns all over the country," said an official with the Port Authority of New York, which, together with the Port Authority of New Jersey, owns the steel remains. "The public will have access to this piece of history displayed with honor, dignity and respect."

Most of the 12,000 pieces already have been given away, and officials at the port authorities say they hope to have most of the rest distributed soon. "People have short memories," said a New York firefighter. "If it raises public awareness, even after 10 years, then it's great." Some of the steel has gone to other purposes, too—seven tons were used to build the Navy's USS New York, and some went to a memorial to Christina-Taylor Green, the girl who was born on Sept. 11, 2001, but was killed in the attempted assassination of Gabrielle Giffords. (More 9/11 attacks stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X