Reps. Grimm, Rangel, King, Meeks, Bishop Introduce Bipartisan Bill Making 9/11 Cross a National Monument

Press Release

Today, Representatives Michael G. Grimm (R-NY), Charles Rangel (D- NY), Peter King (R-NY), Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Timothy Bishop (D-NY) introduced the 9/11 Memorial Cross National Monument Establishment Act of 2011 (H.R. 2865), which will establish the 9/11 Memorial Cross located at the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City as a national monument. This cross has long been seen as a symbol of hope and freedom in the aftermath of 9/11; however, it has recently become a subject of attack by the "American Atheists" group who filed a lawsuit against the inclusion of the cross in the museum.

"This cross was a symbol of hope and freedom at a time when New Yorkers were coping with loss and destruction in the aftermath of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil," said Grimm. "I find it reprehensible that this group would disgrace the beliefs of millions of people in an effort to garner a little media attention for their cause. By establishing the 9/11 Memorial Cross as a national monument, we ensure this symbol of freedom continues to stand for all those we lost and those whose faith remains to this day."

"Freedom of religion is one of the founding principles of our great nation. We cannot take away the 9/11 cross, which has for the past decade served to honor all those who perished because of 9/11 -- the victims on the planes, the first-responders who rushed to try to save lives, those who have since fallen to health ailments related to being at Ground Zero -- and has provided solace for their families and friends," said Rangel. "While we cannot fully heal their pain and wounds, we can express our support by establishing the cross as a national symbol of hope and freedom."

"As is any other religious symbol or object of hope that was recovered from that tragic site, this cross is part of the tapestry and history of that hallowed ground," said Meeks. "Therefore, I am honored to co-sponsor this legislation to commemorate this object as a national monument to be included in the 9/11 Memorial Museum."

"It is vital to preserve the artifacts that gave so many Americans solace and hope in the dark days following the September 11th attacks on our nation," said Bishop. "The WTC Cross is an important symbol of national unity and fortitude that deserves a place of honor at the September 11th Memorial Museum."

During recovery efforts, the intact cross beam, that was believed to have come from One World Trade Center, was discovered among the debris. Throughout the recovery efforts, the 17-foot-tall cross became an icon of hope and comfort in the wake of the attacks. In October 2001, it was erected on a pedestal near St. Peter's Church, where it continued as a shrine and tourist attraction.

On July 23, 2011 the cross was transported to the WTC site and lowered into its permanent setting inside the museum, which will open to the public in 2012. Shortly after on July 27, 2011 an atheist group identified as "American Atheists" filed a lawsuit claiming the inclusion of the cross-shaped steel beams promotes Christianity over all other religions on public property and diminishes the civil rights of non-Christians.

While the cross may have been the first religious symbol moved into the exhibition due to its size, it is not the only religious symbol that will be on display. Along with the cross, the exhibit will include a Star of David cut from WTC steel and a Bible fused to a piece of steel that was found during recovery efforts. The cross, however, was the only symbol singled out by the American Atheists. Rep. Grimm's bipartisan legislation is in response to the actions of the American Atheists in order to preserve the 9/11 Memorial Cross's place as a national symbol in the 9/11 Memorial Museum.