New York — The city firefighters union withdrew its support for a 9-11 memorial at Ground Zero on Tuesday, saying current plans give rescuers short shrift.
The Uniformed Firefighters Assn. said the planned memorial was "insufficient and inadequate" with the prominent role being given to others at the site, including the International Freedom Center.
The union and other critics of the Freedom Center have said it was likely to have exhibits and a program that might be critical of America, causing pain to the families of the victims.
The dispute has taken on a sharp tone as Freedom Center supporters suggested its critics were trying to censor ideas.
Many of those opposed to placing the center at the site, including the firefighters' union, said they did not object to criticism of America, but said it should not be on what they regard as hallowed ground.
The foundation said in a statement that it was "deeply saddened" by the union's decision, and said it hoped any differences could be worked out.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.