To Honor And Remember: BAC Responded on 9/11 and Rebuilds Today

From left, Local 1 NY member Neil Gallagher, Field Representative Robert Vanfechtmann, Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Sullivan, Jr., and member Richard Pues, Jr.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, BAC members in New York volunteered day and night to shore up the buildings damaged in the area surrounding Ground Zero, and help with the rescue and recovery operations. On July 4, 2004, BAC members were once again on hand to set the cornerstone of the new Freedom Tower being built where the World Trade Center once stood. The 20-ton, 5-foot 6-inch high cornerstone of dark green New York granite with garnet-flecks, donated by Innovative Marble, Co., is inscribed with the simple, but poignant message: “To honor and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and as a tribute to the enduring spirit of freedom, July Fourth 2004.”

On July 4, 2004, members of Local 1 NY participated in the laying of the Freedom Tower cornerstone to be built where the World Trade Center once stood.

Richard Pues, Jr. with his three oldest children, from left, Richard, Madison, and Riley.

“I was proud of my members who responded on 9/11 when the call for help went out, and I’m proud today of those members of Local 1 that are part of the rebuilding,” says Local 1 New York President Sid Lanzafame.

Local 1 members Richard Pues, Jr., and Neil Gallagher, employed by Berardi Stone Setting in White Plains, NY, helped lay the cornerstone on seven-foot thick cement footings. Pues, a fifth generation stone setter, takes particular pride in being part of this historic event since his father and uncle did the stone work on the World Trade Center Plaza in the mid-70s. “I have a career I’m proud of and now I’ve reached this platueau,” says Pues.

The goal for the $1.3 billion project is to have the frame topped out by September 11, 2006 and have the building ready for occupancy in early 2009. If all goes as planned, when completed, the 1776-foot tall Freedom Tower will be the tallest skyscraper in the world.

Editor’s note: See future editions of the Journal for updates on this historic project.