Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania

Tour will next visit The Home Depot’s Corporate Headquarters in Atlanta on Thursday, May 14^th 

SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA [May 8, 2026] — On Thursday, May 7^th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 

For the fourth stop on a nationwide tour in honor of the 25^th anniversary of 9/11, Steel Across America brought a 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center to Shanksville to honor the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001 including the 40 passengers and crew members killed aboard Flight 93, who helped thwart an attack on the U.S. Capitol. The visit offered the public a rare opportunity to experience this powerful sacred artifact firsthand. 

“This ‘field of honor’ represents the very best of the American spirit, and it is an honor to bring this steel to Shanksville,” said Frank Siller, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Chairman and CEO. “The passengers and crew of Flight 93 made the ultimate sacrifice to protect countless lives they would never know – and together with the first responders and civilians lost at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, their heroism is core to the story of 9/11. Steel Across America exists to carry that story to every corner of this country, so that we Never Forget.” 

The day’s events began with the Color Guard and Pipes & Drums Procession by the Pennsylvania State Police Department, followed by the national anthem performed by Trooper Robert Brallier. Tunnel to Towers board member Bradley Blakeman welcomed guests, and Pastor Dan Lawrence led the blessing of the steel and invocation.  

Attendees joined together for a moment of silence, honoring the first responders and civilians lost at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93. U.S. Senator Dave McCormick made an appearance via video, speaking to the importance of community, connection, and bravery. Stephen Siller, son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, presented a commemorative steel flag to Superintendent Stephen Clark on behalf of the National Flight 93 memorial – a gesture of gratitude for their hospitality in hosting Steel Across America and in recognition of their enduring legacy of service.  

Following the morning’s ceremony, local attendees were able to view the steel beam from the South Tower up close, hear and connect with first-hand stories of 9/11 from those who experienced it. 

“This memorial exists to ensure that the courage and sacrifice of the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 are remembered for generations to come,” said Stephen M. Clark, Superintendent of the National Parks of Western Pennsylvania. “Welcoming ‘Steel Across America’ to Shanksville brings together two enduring symbols of 9/11: a reminder of how that day touched every corner of this country and ultimately called out the very best in the American spirit.” 

The tour will make more than 35 stops across 21+ states, traveling over 10,500 miles to help ensure that future generations “Never Forget.” As it moves from city to city, The tour will visit landmark locations, community gathering places, town squares, and major sporting events, and The White House before culminating in its return to Ground Zero on September 11th on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

The WTC steel beam 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 14^th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at The Home Depot’s Corporate Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The private event is open to media and Home Depot associates only.