With Support From Bloomberg Philanthropies The 9/11 Memorial is Evolving to Honor Those Sickened
The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks persists more than 16 years later in the spate of life-threatening illnesses and the all-too-regularly-reported deaths of people who were exposed to World Trade Center toxins. It is estimated that more than 400,000 men and women — or four times the population of Albany — were exposed to contaminants on 9/11 and during rescue and recovery operations that lasted for months at the site of devastation known as Ground Zero.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center is determined to build greater awareness about this unabating health crisis. It will take an important step forward Wednesday when the institution unveils renderings of the design concept for a permanent and substantial modification to the 9/11 Memorial intended to recognize everyone who is suffering from 9/11-related diseases. This evolution of the memorial design will honor those who have died and acknowledge the many who will succumb to related illnesses. It will also recognize the tremendous capacity of the human spirit, as exemplified during the rescue, recovery and relief efforts following the 9/11 attacks.
This new dedicated space, which will be integrated within the memorial’s design but will be distinct, is centered on the grassy area of the memorial called the glade at the southwest side of the plaza...