Today One World Trade Center was fitted with its spire, making it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at a ridiculous 1,776 feet – an allusion to the year the US signed the Declaration of Independence.

I was looking through pictures at work this morning and felt inspired to go and have a peek myself. I couldn’t actually get to the top of the building – that will presumably be allowed when it opens for business next year – but I could see it in all its towering glory.

What a symbolic day for the U.S. and New York; it’s such a brilliant show of resilience, let alone a feat of engineering and architectural genius. I love the shimmer of the building – and how I can see it down the end of the blocks as I walk to work each morning, reminding me that I’m in New York – and that it’s amazing and strong. And very lovely looking.

Here are some extra pictures, not by me.