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Politicians react to return of Lukens steel 'trees'
The following are releases from local politicians concerning the return of the steel "trees" from the World Trade Center to Lukens Steel in Coatesville where they began their journey.
Washington – Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16) is pleased to see steel “trees” from the World Trade Center Twin Towers return to Coatesville, Pa. The steel supports, manufactured by the Lukens Steel Company (now AcelorMittal Coatesville), were a highly visible part of the Twin Towers and many remained standing even after the attacks.
Rep. Pitts worked closely with the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville to acquire the pieces that for many years were impounded at a facility in New York. The trees will be installed at the museum as both a memorial to the victims of 9/11 and an example of the Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage.
Rep. Pitts’ statement follows:
“I’m very pleased to see the return of many of the steel ‘trees’ manufactured in Coatesville for the World Trade Center buildings. Pennsylvania workers were proud to see their handiwork become such an essential part of these great buildings, and shocked and saddened to see the violent destruction wrought by the terrorist attacks.
“Now with the return of these pieces, the victims of 9/11 can be memorialized here in Chester County. For years now I’ve worked with state and federal officials to release some of these trees, and I am glad the museum can now proceed with its plans to properly display these sections of the Twin Towers in the community that manufactured them.”
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Congressman Jim Gerlach's statement on World Trade Center steel returning to Coatesville:
Washington – Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6th District) issued the following statement after a ceremony commemorating the return to Coatesville of more than 500 tons of Lukens steel used to build the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center:
“This is a tremendously solemn day for the city of Coatesville and the Graystone Society as steel forged in the furnaces at the Lukens plant returns home after an amazing journey. This bittersweet homecoming is the result of the extraordinary vision and hard work of the Graystone Society and others in Coatesville dedicated to making the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum a reality. While the steel will always serve as a somber reminder of one of the darkest days in our country’s history, it also holds great potential for a brighter future in Coatesville.”
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