Ski’s Hardhat Held by Senator Schumer at the Building of the 2013 Inaugural Stage

On September 20, 2012, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer launched the construction of the Inaugural platform at the First Nail Ceremony at the United States Capitol.  The inaugural platform, currently being erected on the West Front of the Capitol Building, will seat about 1,600 people including former presidents, members of Congress, cabinet officials, joint chiefs, and diplomats who attend the inauguration of the next U.S. President.

While making his speech, Schumer held an orange hardhat, one of the many hardhats that Ski, our inspiration, owned.  In an article written by Joseph Straw covering the event, Straw wrote,

The helmet belonged to union welder Mark “Ski” Gajewski of East Patchogue, L.I., who spent months working recovery at Ground Zero. Like many of his fellow volunteers, Gajewski died of a rare lung cancer in December.
“I think it’s very symbolic because in a certain sense, what he died for is what we’re doing here — peaceful passing of the torch,” Schumer said.

This has been a great opportunity for Ski’s Open Heart Foundation to gain publicity and continue our mission helping families in need.  As such, we would like to thank everyone who was involved with making this happen.

For full coverage of the event read Joseph Straw’s Daily News article, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer hammers away for WTC workers; first nail in January inaugural stage salvaged from Twin Towers .