New York City Pays Tribute to 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Workers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, May 30, 2026

NEW YORK CITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO 9/11 RESCUE AND RECOVERY WORKERS WITH CEREMONY COMMEMORATING 24 YEARS SINCE THE CONCLUSION OF GROUND ZERO RESCUE, RECOVERY AND RELIEF OPERATIONS

The Thousands Who Have Died from 9/11 Illness and Injury Because of Their Service Will Also Be Honored With A New Moment Of Silence During 9/11 Commemoration in September

New York, NY – Today, May 30, at 10:30 a.m., a commemoration ceremony was held in observance of the 24th anniversary of the formal end of rescue, recovery, and relief efforts at Ground Zero on May 30, 2002. This annual observance honored the courage of 9/11 rescue, recovery, and relief workers who spent nine months working the pile at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The ceremony also paid tribute to those who are sick or have died from 9/11 related illnesses and injuries linked to exposure to hazards and toxins related to their service – individuals whose sacrifice will be honored with a new moment of silence during the 9/11 commemoration ceremony in September.

The ceremony featured an interagency honor guard, pipes and drums, and the singing of the National Anthem by Regina Wilson. Founding Visionary John Paluska read aloud the Memorial Glade’s inscription.

“This annual commemoration is a reminder of the sacrifice, courage, and service demonstrated by the rescue, recovery, and relief workers who bravely put their own lives on the line to help others in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks,” said  9/11 Memorial & Museum President & CEO Beth Hillman. “24 years later, we continue to honor their heroism and remember the profound sacrifices made in the years since. We are proud to stand with the responders, survivors, and family members whose strength and resilience continue to inspire us all.”

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum continues to honor rescue and recovery workers, while also shedding light on the impact of 9/11 health effects through exhibitions, and education and public programs. Earlier this month, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum announced that a new moment of silence honoring all those who have died from the health effects of 9/11 and its aftermath, will be added to the annual 9/11 commemoration ceremony in September. Since 9/11, thousands of first responders, rescue, recovery and relief workers, and lower Manhattan community members have died from injuries or illnesses sustained on 9/11 and in its aftermath, and this new moment of silence recognizes their service and sacrifice. You can learn more by visiting 911memorial.org.

### 

ABOUT THE 9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM
A quarter century after the September 11, 2001 attacks, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. This mission is advanced through commemoration, education, and inspiration. Located on eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum remembers and honors the 2,983 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. Through exhibitions, a wide variety of programs, and commemorative events, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum seeks to educate the public – particularly the 100 million Americans born since the attacks or those too young to remember – about the consequences of terrorism and its impact on individuals and communities. Through preserving and sharing stories of resilience, compassion, and service, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum hopes to inspire individuals to build a more compassionate and secure world.  

For more information or to reserve a ticket to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, please visit 911memorial.org.  

MEDIA INQUIRIES
Garrett Levine | press@911memorial.org