Tunnel to Towers Steel Tour Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a national tour featuring a steel beam from the World Trade Center’s South Tower. This memorial aims to educate younger generations about the events of 9/11 and honor service members and first responders.

A 21-foot steel beam, weighing 16,900 pounds, is traveling along the East Coast as part of the ‘Steel Across America’ tour. This tour intends to highlight the bravery displayed on that tragic day and the following years by those who served their country.

Tour Itinerary

• Boston, MA: The beam will appear at the Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners game at Fenway Park and visit the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial.
• Washington, D.C.: A private event in the nation’s capital will feature the beam.
• New York City, NY: The beam will attend a private event in Brooklyn, concluding with an appearance at the New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys game at MetLife Stadium.

Emotional Impact

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this piece of steel reminds us of the courage of first responders like Stephen Siller and the countless Americans who answered the call in the years that followed, including generations of West Point graduates,” stated Lt. Gen. James B. Bartholomees III, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Throughout its journey, the beam has evoked emotional reactions from citizens engaging with the physical reminder of 9/11’s impact. Frank Siller, founder and CEO of Tunnel to Towers, reflects on his brother, Stephen Siller, a fallen FDNY firefighter. Stephen’s actions on September 11 continue to resonate as an example of selfless service.

The events at West Point included a ceremony attended by cadets, faculty, and public safety officials. Attendees honored the beam with a national anthem, an invocation, a blessing, and a reflection moment with “Amazing Grace.”

Frank Siller emphasized, “Duty, honor, country: Those values connect West Point cadets, Stephen, and first responders all across this country. We are grateful to West Point for welcoming us, and we leave more committed than ever to making sure the sacrifice of Sept. 11 is never forgotten.”