Staircase that saved lives of many on 9/11 is now being preserved as a symbol of resilience

The events of 9/11 will always be a dark day in the history of the US. Thousands of innocent lives were lost on that day in a matter of minutes leaving probably the biggest superpower in the world completely vulnerable. The attack shook the foundation of the country and left it in a funeral-like state for days. Every year Americans use this day to remind themselves of the strength that is present in unity and solidarity. Survivors of the attack continue to ask people not to forget the day so that they as a country can make sure something like this never happens again. As a way to ensure that people remember what happened that day, survivors banded together to save ‘Survivors’ Staircase’ from demolition, per My Modern Met.

National September 11 Memorial and Museum collects and showcases memorabilia from 9/11 to make sure that the stories and struggles of people who faced tragedy on that day do not get lost. It is operated by a non-profit organization. The museum's collection has recovered items, tributes to lost souls, paintings and many more things like that. Some of its famous displays have been the Survivor Tree, Memorial Glade and The Sphere. Some time ago, it welcomed a new memorabilia in its collection named Survivors’ Staircase. This memorabilia is a granite and concrete staircase that was not created in the museum. Instead, it was actually a part of those day's events. The set of stairs was located outside of the building and played a massive role in evacuating many survivors when the towers were going down.

The staircase was located on the northern edge of World Trade Center’s Austin J. Tobin Plaza and took people to Vesey Street right below the buildings. The moment the attack happened and the towers began to fall, people began to frantically search for an exit. This was one of the routes taken by many people which eventually led them to safety. People crossed through the plaza and reached the stairs, the location was also such that it enabled individuals to avoid debris coming from the North Tower. The staircase meant a lot for survivors that day and it gave them solace in a time where they felt vulnerable. It protected them and gave them a way out when everything around them was endangering their lives.

After the incident, the staircase became a common thread in many people's stories of that day and a symbol of their freedom. The strength of the stairs allowed it to withstand the collapse, and live to tell the tale. The staircase remained in its place, for almost two more decades. Some time ago the structure was slated for demolition, and as people began to know about it they made their dissent clear. For many people, the staircase held a lot of value and equated the US as a whole which also survived after the gruesome attack. An appeal was made to make it a historical asset.

Fortunately, the appeal went through and the process was kickstarted. A federal review happened which involved preservationists, survivors and other advocates. All of these parties gave their approval and the staircase was given the stature of an asset that needed to be preserved and protected. Today, it is present for display alongside the escalators at the bottom level of the 9/11 Memorial.