The LMDC is a joint New York State-City corporation created by Governor George E. Pataki and Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani two months after the 9/11 attacks. Its intent was to recover, rebuild, and revitalize lower Manhattan. In April 2003, the LMDC initiated the competition to select a design for the memorial that would commemorate the nearly 3,000 men, women, and children killed. Anyone, anywhere in the world, could take part if they were 18 years of age or older. The competition attracted people across six continents, from 63 nations and 49 states, with 13,683 registrants and 5,201 qualifying submitted designs. Participants were asked to honor the lives lost on 9/11 in New York City, Washington, DC, Shanksville, PA, and in the February 26, 1993 attack on the World Trade Center. Competitors were also asked to submit design concepts consistent with the Memorial Mission Statement and Program which had been developed by 9/11 family members, lower Manhattan residents, survivors, first responders, arts and architecture professionals, and community leaders: Remember and honor the thousands of innocent men, women, and children murdered by terrorists in the horrific attacks of February 26, 1993, and September 11, 2001. Respect this place made sacred through tragic loss. Recognize the endurance of those who survived, the courage of those who risked their lives to save others, and the compassion of all who supported us in our darkest hours. May the lives remembered, the deeds recognized, and the spirit reawakened be eternal beacons, which reaffirm respect for life, strengthen our resolve to preserve freedom, and inspire an end to hatred, ignorance and intolerance.