7 historic July 4th events in US history

Cornerstone laid for Freedom Tower – July 4, 2004

The Fourth of July also marks the anniversary of when the cornerstone was laid for Freedom Tower, more commonly known as One World Trade Center, in New York City.

Less than three years after the 9/11 terrorist attack that destroyed the Twin Towers, a ceremony was held in which the cornerstone for the skyscraper, which now stands 1,776 feet tall, was laid.

The inscription for the stone read, “To honor and remember those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001 and as a tribute to the enduring spirit of freedom – July Fourth 2004.”

“Today is indeed a momentous day,” said then New York Gov. George Pataki at the gathering. “Today we take 20 tons of Adirondack granite — the bedrock of our state — and place it as the foundation, the bedrock of a new symbol of American strength and confidence.”

“Today, we lay the cornerstone for a new symbol of this city and this country and of our resolve in the face of terror.”