In a solemn, worldless ceremony marking eight months of cleanup from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center, an empty stretcher is carried up the ramp from the pit, and the last steel column is carried out on a truck. An honor guard of police, firefighters, contruction workers, rescue personnel, and military lined the ramp. Families of victims were present as was Mayor Michael Bloomberg.