Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes, Florida

The tour will next visit the Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida on Tuesday, May 19^th 

MAY 17, 2026 [LAND O’ LAKES, FLORIDA] — On Sunday, May 17^th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited the Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. 

For the sixth stop on a nationwide tour in honor of the 25^th anniversary of 9/11, Steel Across America brought a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center to Land O’ Lakes, offering local community members a rare opportunity to experience this powerful sacred artifact firsthand.  

The ceremony was led by John LaBarbera, retired FDNY Battalion Chief and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Executive Board Member. The event began with a performance by Pasco County Fire Rescue and FDNY Honor Guard & Guns and Hoses Pipes & Drums, as well as a performance of the national anthem by Marlee Michael. Chaplain for Battalion 4 of the Pasco County Fire Rescue 

Anthony Shipe then led the invocation and the blessing of the steel. 

John LaBarbera led attendees in a moment of silence to honor the first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 and those who continue protecting our nation. Following a personal anecdote, John welcomed Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins to the stage, where he addressed the residents of the Let us Do Good Village, thanking them for their service and emphasizing his continued commitment to the support and success of first responders in all stages of their service.   

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, John LaBarbera presented a commemorative steel flag to Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, serving as a gesture of gratitude for the hospitality in hosting Steel Across America. Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins ceremoniously received the steel beam on behalf of the state of Florida.  

Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Kathy Cunningham shared shout outs, followed by Smart Home recipient Scott Nokes, Retired United States Marine Corp Corporal, and Let Us Do Good Village Smart home recipient Christopher Laframboise, retired Tampa Police Department Master Police Officer, took the stage to speak to the impact that the Foundation can have for servicemen and women in need. Finally, Stephen Siller Jr. spoke to the significance of the Village’s namesake and thanked attendees for joining the event before the crowd enjoyed a catered lunch by the Guy Fieri Foundation Food Trucks.  

“The Let Us Do Good Village is living proof of what it means to Never Forget — not just in words, but in action,” said Stephen Siller, Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. “Every home in this community is a testament to the sacrifices made by the veterans and first responders who gave so much in service to this country. Steel Across America exists to carry that spirit of gratitude and remembrance to every corner of this nation.” 

As part of the day’s programming, 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, and engage with Tunnel to Towers’ 9/11 Mobile Exhibit. Attendees also enjoyed catering by the Guy Fieri Foundation, who has partnered with Tunnel to Towers to support veterans, first responders, and their families. 

“The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is proud to stand with the men and women who have given everything in service to this country. This community is truly a testament to what it means to ‘do good’,” said John LaBarbera. “The steel beam before us represents the courage and sacrifice of September 11 — the first responders, the civilians, and the service members who answered the call that day and in the years that followed.” 

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 Tuesday, May 19^th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at the Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, FL.