First responders who rushed to the disaster scene on September 11, 2001, are not invited to this year’s memorial service at Ground Zero, New York officials confirm. The service is scheduled for September 11th, 10 years after the terror attacks. A spokesman for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the memorial is for victims’ families. “While we are again focused on accommodating victims’ family members,” Andrew Brent said, “given the space constraints, we’re working to find ways to recognize and honor first responders and other groups at different places and times.” First responder John Feal said the decision to exclude first responders shows Bloomberg “lives in his own world.” Feal is the founder of an advocacy group for police officers, firefighters, civilian volunteers and others who worked at Ground Zero. In addition to victims’ families, several politicians – including two presidents – are expected to attend.
