The historic 'Last Column,‛ the final steel column to be removed from the World Trade Center site, returned to the site this morning for permanent installation in the 9/11 Memorial Museum. The massive ‚Last Column‛ was covered in tributes from members of the construction trades, rescue personnel, and family members before the column was removed from the site, marking the end of the nine-month recovery efforts in May 2002. The return of the ‚Last Column‛ marks a major milestone in the construction of the Memorial and Museum as it is the first artifact moved from conservation to the Museum.

"The return of the ‘Last Column’ marks a historic moment in the building of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum," said Joe Daniels, 9/11 Memorial President. "This major artifact with its many markings and inscriptions commemorates the sacrifice of so many on 9/11. It will stand proud in the Museum as a symbol of the spirit of unity and dedication that brought people together at ground zero. The Column embodies the best of what we saw in ourselves in the aftermath of the attacks and the incredible capacity of people to come together during the most difficult of times."

"The return of the Last Column is a powerful symbol of the progress we've made in building the Memorial and Museum since we assumed lead construction responsibilities at the World Trade Center site three years ago," said Port Authority of NY & NJ Chairman Anthony Coscia...