Accession Number: C.2021.15.8
Dimensions: 36 in X 30 in
Dimensions (Metric): 91.44 cm X 76.2 cm
Credit Line: Gift of Rita Schwartz
Description
Blue T-shirt with a faded image of Ground Zero and text that reads: "We Were There | We Deserve Care" on the front. "Pass The | 9/11 | Health Bill" is printed on the back. The shirt is slightly dirty.
Historical Notes
In 2001, Rita Schwartz was employed as the Director of Government Relations for the General Contractors Association of New York, Inc., a trade organization representing the heavy and civil engineering construction industry. In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, Schwartz reported to the Tully Construction trailer at Ground Zero every day.
During the rescue and recovery period, Schwartz was responsible for greeting elected officials who visited the site, arranging their access credentials, offering them tours of the site, and bringing them to view nearby St. Paul’s Chapel.
Schwartz was also involved in the Association’s advocacy for insurance coverage and indemnification of the claims and lawsuits for contractors working at the Ground Zero who suffered from 9/11-related health effects. This shirt was likely related to those efforts.