The 9/11 Memorial and Museum was intended to reflect and memorialize the profound impact that the 9/11 attacks had on all Americans and a call for peace, unity, and understanding. It was authorized by Congress and funded mostly by taxpayer dollars.

The 20-foot, 20-ton 'girder cross' that was found at the World Trade Center site (one of many, the rest of which were simply disposed of) and installed in the 9/11 memorial betrays and belies this inclusivity. Despite its intent, the cross does not represent all Americans or even all victims of the WTC attacks. The girder cross is divisive and exclusive because it represents only Christians, it does not represent the more than 1,000 non-Christian victims that perished in the WTC center attacks or their families.

Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Humanists, and Atheists all died in the 9/11 attacks. They all deserve acknowledgement and respect within this taxpayer-funded memorial that was intended to speak to and represent ALL Americans. I urge you to make sure that all faith and worldview groups are provided representation and access in the museum equal to that provided for the Christian Latin cross.