A new installation at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is called “The Glade” and includes six monoliths honoring first responders. These monoliths symbolize strength and determination through adversity. Some of these granite monoliths weigh up to 17 tons; all pointing upward along a path through “The Glade”.
The Glade honoring first responders
Alice Greenwald, president and CEO of the memorial and museum stated, “‘The Glade’ would also, when completed, be a tribute to the incredible selflessness, determination and commitment of everyone who worked on the recovery here at what was ground zero.”
Many still suffering after 18 years
The museum, located in lower Manhattan, is in “an area of the 9/11 Memorial that is being created to recognize and honor everyone who is now, 18 years after the attack, still living with the consequences of 9/11 – day in and day out,” according to Greenwald.
World Trade Center Health Program
This program was established to provide “medical monitoring and treatment for responders to the September 11th, terrorist attacks at the WTC and related sites in New York City, Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA and survivors who were in the New York City disaster area. The WTC Health Program provides treatment for many health conditions aggravated by, contributed to, or caused by an individual’s 9/11 exposures, including aerodigestive disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, cancers, and mental health conditions.”
These affected people – an estimated 400,000 – were exposed to myriad chemicals and other toxic substances through the dust cloud and in the recovery months after the disaster. Many health consequences may not be discovered until years in the future, such as asbestos-related mesothelioma and lung cancer. This is the reason the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act established the WTC Health Program in 2011.
Health consequences today
“The Glade” project was announced in 2017. At that time, over 77,000 responders and survivors of 9/11 participated in the WTC Health Program. Of those, more than 39,000 already had one or more conditions related to 9/11, and 6,000 plus had a related cancer.
“The Glade” represents to these thousands of victims that their struggle is acknowledged and our country cares for each one of them. Dedication of “The Glade” is planned for May 30, 2019.
