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One World Trade Transformed Into A Christmas Tree

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Construction workers rebuilding the World Trade Center site have given a holiday gift to us all.

He's electrician from Staten Island who said he's just a "regular Joe" who wanted to bring some cheer to the people.

So on his own time – and with his own money -- Joe Russo started decorating One World Trade. "The building was just white lights. I wanted to make it look like a Christmas Tree. Put some cellophane around it," Russo told CBS 2's Magee Hickey.

"He asked if it was okay and I said sure, go with it. And we did. First we had to run it by the big guy, the foreman that is over me. And he said outstanding. Away we went," electric foreman Gary Timm added.

So, 250 lights on 20 floors now are covered with red, green, yellow and blue cellophane and scotch tape, costing $100 from Russo's own pocket. It took him 10 extra hours working in frigid temperatures. It was a labor of love appreciated by all those who work here.

"It gives you a lot of pride, a lot of pride to be working where we are and doing what we're doing here, something special," foreman Frank Leonard said.

And to one retired firefighter who lost his firefighter son on 9/11, the Christmas lights on One World Trade are one more reminder that his son, along with thousands of others, is not forgotten.

"Many of whom were here on 9/11. This is their way of saying we remember, sending a special message to everybody with beautiful colors. It brings a tear to my eye. I say thank you to you and your crew," Lee Ielpi said.

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