Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks that took the lives of 2977 innocent victims, One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) today will reach a major milestone as we rebuild on the hallow land that is ground zero. In just a few hours workers, winds permitting, will place the first column for the 100th floor of the new One World Trade Center, and with that placement, the building will take back the New York skyline, will surpass the height of the Iconic Empire State Building as the skyscraper races into the heavens to become the tallest building in the western hemisphere.
As this important milestone approaches, let's remember all those who gave their lives that day.
2977 Victims gave their lives that day...this count does not include the terrorists.
246 People lost their lives on the four planes.
2606 Victims died in the Twin Towers.
125 people died at the Pentagon, of those 55 victims were members of the military.
1355 people died at or above the point of impact at the Twin Towers.
107 people below the point of impact did not survive.
200 people fell or jumped to their deaths.
411 Emergency Workers died that day, including 341 firefighters.
The remains of 1,122 victims have yet to be identified, and those remains will probably be placed in a repository behind a wall at the 9/11 Museum.
Today is a day of celebration, but it should also be a day of quiet reflection as we look back on that fateful day, and honor all those who lost their lives. Let us rebuild and move forward, but as we do, let us never forget.
