Workers Who Helped in Recovery and Rebuilding After 9/11 Honored at World Trade Center

Thousands of construction workers and cleanup crews worked and volunteered at the World Trade Center after Sept. 11, 2001, around the clock for months, removing tons of debris and helping with the recovery. On Tuesday, they were honored with a special tribute to the Labor of 9/11, held steps away from the 9/11 Memorial. Union members from around the city came out to show their support for their colleagues who helped New York City get back on its feet 25 years ago.

“When I was here on September 11, and for the nine months that I spent down here working with all of you on a daily basis, I was really moved by two things — your skill, experience — but also your big hearts,” said Bill Keegan, a retired Port Authority Police Department lieutenant, special operations founder and president of HEART 9/11. “I saw how much you wanted to bring home to loved ones their family members.”

Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, said the work of union members can still be seen throughout the World Trade Center site “because we have risen, we have come back, and every building you see, every tower you see, every paver you see at the World Trade Center campus was put up or put in by building trades members of the New York City Building Trades Council.” Find more coverage from NY1.