Photo credit: 9/11 Museum staff
Accession Number: C.2021.45.1
Dimensions: 14.5 in X 4.25 in X 2.75 in
Dimensions (Metric): 36.83 cm X 10.795 cm X 6.985 cm
Credit Line: Gift of Rafael Blue Greco
Description
Oxyacetylene torch. The handle is engraved "Rafe Greco/Tully Construction" along with the victim count and memorial message that reads: "You are always in our hearts."
Historical Notes
For three days following 9/11, Rafe Greco, a sculptor and welder, cut through the twisted metal at Ground Zero in hope of freeing trapped survivors. He stayed on for the next nine months, helping to facilitate the recovery of remains. Greco transformed his torch into a memorial, inscribing on the handle the presumed death tolls for civilian and uniformed service victims and a promise: “You are always in our hearts.”