NEW YORK (AP) — A steel beam signed by President Barack Obama was lifted into place Thursday at the top of the 104-story One World Trade Center.
A crane atop the building raised the beam from the ground after dozens of people, including construction workers and police officers, added their own signatures near those of the president and first lady Michelle Obama.
“It feels really good to be a part of it,” said iron worker James Brady, part of the crew that lifted the beam. “I feel very proud to be here. I feel very lucky to be here.”
On June 14, the Obamas visited the skyscraper that’s being built to replace the twin towers destroyed by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001. The white beam contains the words “One World Trade Center” painted in blue. Obama wrote in marker: “We remember,” “We rebuild” and “We come back stronger!”
The signatures will no longer be visible as the beam, which is 35 feet long and weighs 11,000 pounds, is enveloped by the structure.
The skyscraper, formerly known as the Freedom Tower, is expected to be completed in early 2014.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less