New York – A cross-shaped steel beam that survived the 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attack to become a symbol of hope was moved Thursday from ground zero to a nearby church, accompanied by victims’ families, clergy and construction workers.
The 2-ton, 20-foot-high cross was placed on a flatbed truck for the three-block trip to its temporary home at St. Peter’s Church, which served as a temporary morgue for Sept. 11 victims and as a sanctuary for rescue workers.
“This piece of steel … goes beyond any religion,” said Richard Sheirer, head of the city Office of Emergency Management five years ago.
Ironworkers sang “God Bless America” as hundreds of people walked behind the cross to the 18th-century church.
The Rev. Brian Jordan, who led the procession, called the cross “a sign of consolation and inspiration to workers who served at ground zero for the 10 months of recovery.”
