9/11 rescue, recovery workers to get permanent memorial

May 31 (UPI) -- Rescue and recovery workers will get a permanent tribute at New York City's 9/11 memorial, officials said at a ceremony of honor.

The announcement was made Tuesday at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, 9/11 Memorial Board Chair and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Jon Stewart, television personality and healthcare activist or 9/11 responders.

The permanent memorial is expected to be installed on the southwest corner of an 8-acre plaza where the World Trade Center towers fell on Sept. 11, 2001. While a design has not been completed, New York state and Bloomberg Philanthropies will underwrite the project.

"Without regard for their own health and well-being and with no demand for recognition, these men and women played a critical role in helping us all in New York and across the country get back on our feet. Today, thousands are living with serious illnesses and dying at an alarming rate. I'm thrilled this is finally happening, that this dedication will give them the recognition they're due," Stewart said at Tuesday's ceremony.

The date of the announcement was the 15th anniversary of the formal end of recovery operations at the World Trade Center.