Where is the Machine Gun on Ground Zero?
Introduction
Ground Zero is the site of the former World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, New York City, where the Twin Towers stood until their tragic collapse on September 11, 2001. The site has undergone significant transformation since then, with the construction of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, One World Trade Center, and other buildings. One of the most iconic and poignant features of the memorial is the machine gun on display. But where exactly is it located?
The Machine Gun on Display
The machine gun on display at Ground Zero is a M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon), a belt-fed, gas-powered machine gun used by the United States military. It is located in the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, specifically in the In Memoriam section, which honors the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
Why is the Machine Gun on Display?
The machine gun is displayed as a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of the first responders and military personnel who responded to the 9/11 attacks. It is also a reminder of the ongoing struggle against terrorism and the importance of remembering the victims of that fateful day.
Other Machine Guns on Display
In addition to the M249 SAW, there are several other machine guns on display at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. These include:
- M16A2 rifle: A semi-automatic rifle used by the US military, on display in the Port Authority Police Memorial section.
- M4 carbine: A selective-fire rifle used by the US military, on display in the New York City Fire Department Memorial section.
- Colt M1911A1 pistol: A semi-automatic pistol used by the US military, on display in the New York City Police Department Memorial section.
Table: Machine Guns on Display at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum
| Machine Gun | Type | Branch | Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| M249 SAW | Belt-fed machine gun | US Military | In Memoriam |
| M16A2 rifle | Semi-automatic rifle | US Military | Port Authority Police Memorial |
| M4 carbine | Selective-fire rifle | US Military | New York City Fire Department Memorial |
| Colt M1911A1 pistol | Semi-automatic pistol | US Military | New York City Police Department Memorial |
Conclusion
The machine gun on display at Ground Zero is a powerful symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of those who responded to the 9/11 attacks. It is a reminder of the ongoing struggle against terrorism and the importance of remembering the victims of that fateful day. Visitors to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum can view the machine gun and other artifacts on display, providing a poignant and educational experience.
Additional Resources
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum: www.911memorial.org
- United States Military: www.army.mil
- New York City Fire Department: www fdny.nyc.gov
- New York City Police Department: www.nypd.gov
Footnotes
- [1] National September 11 Memorial & Museum. (n.d.). In Memoriam. Retrieved from https://www.911memorial.org/learn/in-memoriam/
- [2] United States Army. (n.d.). M249 SAW. Retrieved from <https://www.army.mil/ equipment/m249-saw>
- [3] New York City Fire Department. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://www.fdny.nyc.gov/about/history/
