A 21-foot steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center is traveling up the East Coast this week as part of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America tour. The tour, which began earlier this year, aims to educate younger generations about the tragedy of 9/11 and to honor American servicemembers and first responders.
The 16,900-pound beam will make stops in Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and New York City through September 11.
East Coast Stops
Wednesday evening's stop is scheduled for the Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners game at Fenway Park in Boston. On Thursday, the beam will be displayed at the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial.
The tour's next destination is the nation's capital, where the steel will be featured at a private event on Friday. The journey continues to New York City for another private event in Brooklyn on September 11, culminating in a final appearance at the NY Giants Vs. Dallas Cowboys game at MetLife Stadium on September 13.
Educational Mission
Earlier this week, the steel visited the United States Military Academy at West Point. Lt. Gen. James B. Bartholomees III, the academy's superintendent, stated that the beam connects the courage displayed by first responders on 9/11 with the Americans who have served in the years since. "Today, young men and women continue that legacy of service, guided by duty, honor country," Bartholomees said.
The ceremony at West Point included cadets, faculty, staff, and guests, featuring a color guard and a pipe and drum procession by members of the NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority Police Department. The program also included the national anthem, an invocation, and a moment of reflection.
Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers and brother of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who died on 9/11, shared his brother's story. "Twenty-five years ago, my brother Stephen strapped on 60 pounds of gear and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toward danger, duty and the people who needed him inside those towers," Siller said. He added, "Duty, honor country: Those values connect West Point cadets, Stephen and first responders all across this country."