These bits and pieces of what used to be the Twin Towers, ranging from "6-inch slabs to massive beams to the 7.5 tons the Navy used in the construction of the warship USS New York" have since been distributed across the globe to a myriad of museums and memorial sites.
But over the last 14 years, many of these World Trade Center relics have gone around the States. Today, there's one in every state at some type of memorial or exhibit.
Abroad, they've made their way to permanent homes throughout Europe in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Elsewhere in the world, five other countries have a piece of our heart: South Korea, Canada, Brazil, China, and somewhat oddly: Afghanistan.
Now for all the remaining pieces, amounting to less "than 30 pieces of steel, including pieces of rail tracks" and less than "70 other artifacts such as clothing or toys" they're being stored at Hangar 17 at Kennedy Airport.
It's important to know that The Port Authority has been delicately assessing each application for WTC relics over the years, and with so few remaining, they're not loosening up on the restrictions. Mainly, it's most important that artifacts end up within the public view, wherever the location may be.
It's good that every state in the U.S. and so many countries around the world empathize with us here in New York City.
imtm1 Please visit www.imtmworldwide.com and type in "9/11" in the search box and read my article. Thanks. #twintowers #nyc #newyork #worldtradecenter
It goes without saying that 9/11 was the worst terrorist attack on American soil this nation has ever experienced. (Of course, we're not counting Pearl Harbor, since that was an act of war sanctioned by a sovereign nation and not terrorism, per se.)
It's good to know that there's some degree of global solidarity in memorializing this event that changed the world, not just New York.
New Yorkers are generally considered to be a bristly bunch, but we're fully appreciative for the worldwide sentiment pouring in, not to mention the countless visitors who take time to pay their respects.
Check out 7 Memorials Every Real New Yorker Should Visit in NYC.