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Tuesday marked the 15-year anniversary of the completion of recovery efforts at Ground Zero, and the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum announced plans for a new dedication for the first responders who gave and risked their lives working in the rubble of the Twin Towers.
The tribute will be permanent and will be set on the Memorial Glade, which is located on the southwest corner of the eight-acre plaza.
RECOMMENDED: A complete guide to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
First responders and survivors who came from all across the country to help with rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero are still dealing with negative health effects from the tragedy. According to 9/11 Health Watch executive director Benjamin Chevat, there are currently more than 77,000 first responders from 9/11 participating in the World Trade Center Health Program. Of those people, more than 39,000 have a condition stemming from 9/11, including 6,000-plus people with cancer.
The dedication came just days after the death of first responder Raymond Pfeifer, who died of cancer that resulted from his eight months of work at Ground Zero. He is credited with helping push through legislation to extend assistance for survivors of the attacks.
An opening date for the dedication has not yet been announced. The Memorial will lead the planning, design and development.
"Fifteen years after 9/11, we still feel the pain and loss as if it were yesterday," Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "This new tribute will be a poignant reminder of the selflessness and courage of our first responders, who embody the best of New Yorkers, and ensure their sacrifice will never be forgotten."