Feel free to check my math:

--Groundbreaking for construction of the original WTC was on August 5th, 1966. Steel construction began in August 1968.

--First tenant occupancy of One WTC was December, 1970, and occupancy of Two WTC began in January 1972.

--Ribbon cutting was on April 4, 1973.

--The time between groundbreaking and first occupancy of One WTC was about 4 years and 4 months.

--The time between groundbreaking and first occupancy of Two WTC was about 5 years and 5 months.

--Time between groundbreaking and ribbon cutting was 6 years and 8 months.

--6 years and 8 months from September 11th is May 11, 2008.

--From the time when the ground was cleared of debris at Ground Zero (May 2002), 6 years and 8 months brings us to about January of 2009.

--The Empire State Building was constructed in about 18 months during the Depression.

You tell me what we've lost. Most of what our fathers and grandfathers built in this country would be illegal now, and it seems we can't even raise a skyscraper any more.

First WTC after six years and eight months:

Current construction after six years and eight months: