The stone, a cornerstone of the new Freedom Tower, which will be built over "Ground Zero," the former location of the World Trade Centers.

"To honor and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and as a tribute to the enduring spirit of freedom — July Fourth, 2004," is inscribed in the cornerstone.

"Let this great Freedom Tower show the world that what our enemies sought to destroy — our democracy, our freedom, our way of life — stands taller than ever," Gov. George E. Pataki told about 500 people gathered at the 16-acre site. Governor Pataki stated that the 1,776-foot tower would be the tallest in the world, and would begin construction on July 4th. July 4th, 1776 was the day of America's independence, and the July 4th construction date, along with the 1,776 foot tower will reinforce the country's faith in freedom.

New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey said: "We reclaim this ground in the names of those who we have lost." The 13-year-old son of a police officer killed on Sept. 11 read portions of the Declaration of Independence.

The stone and its inscription will eventually disappear from view, as crews work over the next year to remove ruins of a parking garage and shore up the 70-foot-deep foundation before building the Freedom Tower above street level. Parts of the parking garage will go to a storage hangar at John F. Kennedy International Airport for historic preservation.

When it is ready for occupancy in 2009, the twisting glass and steel tower, topped by a 276-foot spire designed to evoke the Statue of Liberty, will include 2.6 million square feet of office space on 72 floors. Sixty stories of office space will be topped by 10 stories of open-air retail and restaurant space, an observation deck and energy-generating windmills.