Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum in West Sayville, New York 

Tour will next visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA on Thursday, May 7^th  

NEW YORK, NEW YORK [May 4, 2026] — On Monday, May 4^th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America tour made a powerful stop in West Sayville, New York at the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum – honoring the heroes who served and sacrificed during the September 11 attack and the years that followed. 

For the third stop on a nationwide tour in honor of the 25^th anniversary of 9/11, Steel Across America brought a 16,000-pound steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center to West Sayville, offering the public a rare opportunity to experience this powerful and sacred artifact firsthand. 

The ceremony was led by Tom O’Connor, Tunnel to Towers board member and retired FDNY Lieutenant with Engine 53. The morning opened with pipes and drum procession by the Suffolk County Police Department Emerald Society Band, followed by a performance of the national anthem by Police Officer Lauren Timpano. Reverend Michael Stanek of the Suffolk County Police Department led the invocation and blessing of the steel.  

Tunnel to Towers Board Member Mike Lentin spoke of the power of teamwork in driving community support – both within the Foundation and across communities nationwide. Chris Wyllie, Executive Director of the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum and retired Navy SEAL, reflected on how 9/11 inspired a generation of service members, including LT Michael P. Murphy himself, to serve bravely and always do what is right. Wyllie shared an especially moving detail: before deploying to Afghanistan, LT Murphy requested a patch from FDNY Engine 53/Ladder 43, wearing it on every mission as a tribute to the firefighters lost on 9/11. He was wearing that patch when he made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Red Wings on June 28, 2005. 

The ceremony concluded with Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, presenting a commemorative steel flag to the Murphy family – a gesture of gratitude for their hospitality in hosting Steel Across America and in recognition of their enduring legacy of service. 

“This steel honors our nation’s heroes, and that is exactly what brought us to West Sayville,” said Frank Siller, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Chairman and CEO. “Steel Across America is our promise to carry the legacy of every man and woman who has served and sacrificed for this country – from the first responders who ran toward the Towers on 9/11 like my brother Stephen, to the warriors, like LT Murphy, who answered the call in the years that followed and paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Their courage must be remembered, celebrated, and carried forward by every generation.” 

As part of the day’s programming, local attendees were able to view the steel beam from the South Tower up close, as well as hear and connect first-hand with stories of 9/11 from those who experienced it.  

“Michael dedicated his life to protecting others,” said Daniel Murphy, Gold Star father of Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy. “The heroes of 9/11 and the warriors who served in the years that follow share his selfless bravery, and this steel beam is a powerful testament to all of them. It is an honor to welcome the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Steel Across America here, to a place built in that same spirit.” 

The steel is an everlasting reminder of the selfless courage and service of first responders who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, including New York City firefighter Stephen Siller. Recovered by thousands of first responders who rushed to Ground Zero in the days following the attacks, the beam stands as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and our unbreakable spirit that emerged from tragedy.  

On Thursday, May 7^th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This event will be free and open to the public. 

For a complete list of tour stops, please visit the website here.