President Donald Trump will host first responders and officials at the White House on September 8 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The event will feature a 21-foot steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center's South Tower, displayed on the White House Ellipse.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated that the President will pay tribute to the victims, their families, and the acts of heroism from that day. Trump and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Chairman and CEO Frank Siller are expected to speak at the ceremony. The foundation is bringing its "Steel Across America" tour to the White House for the occasion.
The steel beam has served as a traveling memorial, touring 21 states in the lead-up to the anniversary. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, founded by Frank Siller in honor of his brother FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller who died on 9/11, aims to educate younger generations about the tragedy.
As part of the 9/11 commemorations, Trump will also attend a ceremony at the Pentagon. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit the World Trade Center site in New York City, and other administration officials will represent the White House at the memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, marking all three locations affected by the attacks.
Last year, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended a 9/11 observance at the Pentagon and issued a proclamation for Patriot Day, calling for flags to be flown at half-staff. They also attended a New York Yankees game that featured tributes to the victims.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is also working to provide 343 mortgage-free homes this year, honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on 9/11. The foundation has previously provided mortgage-free homes to families of fallen service members and first responders and works to combat veteran homelessness.