9/11 Memorial Marks the 19th Anniversary of the End of the Rescue and Recovery Effort

A photo of the May 30 commemorative moment held on the Memorial Glade. An honor guard procession carries an American flag on an overcast day.
Photo by Ben Hider

On Sunday, May 30, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum observed an intimate commemorative moment to mark the 19th anniversary of the end of the nine-month rescue, recovery, and relief effort at the World Trade Center site and the two-year anniversary of the 9/11 Memorial Glade dedication.

As 9/11 rescue, recovery, and relief workers, survivors and members of the lower Manhattan community, and families of those who have passed due to 9/11-related illnesses gathered on the 9/11 Memorial Glade, a moment of silence was held to mark the anniversary following an honor guard and singing of the national anthem. The Glade inscription was also read aloud to those in attendance and another musical tribute concluded the ceremony.

For those who were unable to attend the event in person, you can learn more about the rescue and recovery operation at Ground Zero on the May 30, 2002 Commemoration page or view the photo gallery below.

Photos by Ben Hider

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

Previous Post

Exploring the Markings on the Last Column

The Last Column in Foundation Hall is shown from below.

Recovery workers, as well as relatives and friends of victims, affixed mementos and wrote inscriptions on the last column to be cut from the World Trade Center site, filling its surfaces to honor those lost. Now standing in Foundation Hall, the column still bears the markings and memorial tributes. In advance of the 19th anniversary of the end of the rescue and recovery effort, we highlight a few of these markings and tributes and their significance.

View Blog Post

Next Post

Recap: “20 Years Since 9/11: Confronting the Challenges of Recovery”

In conversation with Clifford Chanin, executive vice president and deputy director for museum programs, the program participants shared their personal recollections of 9/11 and its aftermath and discussed the devastating health issues affecting the rescue and recovery community nearly 20 years after the attacks.

View Blog Post