Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, FL

The tour will next visit loanDepot park in Miami, FL, for the Mets vs Miami Marlins game on Friday, May 22^nd

SARASOTA, FLORIDA [MAY 19, 2026] — On Tuesday, May 19^th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited the Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, FL. 

For the seventh 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 Sarasota, offering local community members a rare opportunity to experience this powerful sacred artifact firsthand. Despite inclement weather, Sarasota community members gathered for a memorable day and an important cause. 

The ceremony was led by Brad Blakeman, former Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush and Tunnel to Towers Board Member, who welcomed guests and guided the evening’s ceremonial proceedings. The program opened with a Color Guard and Pipes and Drums procession featuring the Sarasota Police and Fire Honor Guards, the FDNY Ceremonial Unit, the Sarasota Fire Department Pipes & Drums, and the Riverview High School Kiltie Band. Jersy Baldini then performed the National Anthem. 

Inside Emma E. Booker Elementary School, Blakeman introduced the steel beam, before Pastor Tom Wooten then led the invocation and blessing of the steel. Following the blessing, Blakeman called for a moment of silence in honor of those lost on September 11, 2001, which was then followed by a performance of Amazing Grace by the Pipes & Drums. 

Terry Connor, Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools, spoke of the importance of preserving the memory of September 11 for future generations and the role that schools like Emma E. Booker Elementary play in that mission.  

Andrew Card, former White House Chief of Staff who was famously present at the Emma E. Booker Elementary School on the morning of September 11, 2001, reflected on the significance of that day and the lasting impact it has had on the nation, giving attendees a rare and personal connection to the history that unfolded at this very school twenty-five years ago. 

Sandra Kay Daniels, the second-grade teacher who was leading the classroom reading lesson on “The Pet Goat” when President George W. Bush received word of the attacks, spoke of that day and of the resilience that has defined generations since. 

Jean Ringhoff then addressed the crowd, offering remarks and acknowledgments before introducing Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. Stephen Siller Jr. then presented a commemorative steel flag to the Emma E. Booker Elementary School as a lasting symbol of remembrance and gratitude. 

“Emma E. Booker Elementary School is a key part of the story of September 11, and it is a privilege to bring this steel here,” said Stephen Siller, son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. “Steel Across America is built on the belief that every generation deserves to understand what happened that day — the lives lost, the courage shown, and the unity that emerged from tragedy. There is no more powerful classroom for that lesson than this one.” 

The steel beam was ceremoniously received by Terry Connor, Superintendent of Sarasota Schools. 

“Welcoming Steel Across America to our community gives our students a rare opportunity to connect with history firsthand,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. “It is our responsibility to ensure they understand what happened on September 11, the bravery it inspired, and what it means to serve others.” 

Blakeman returned to deliver closing remarks before the steel beam was made available for all guests to approach and reflect upon. Attendees were then treated to a performance by Bryce Leatherwood during dinner, which was catered by Grill Team Six, a volunteer group of FDNY firefighters dedicated to supporting Tunnel to Towers events, and the T2T Mobile Kitchen. 

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 with first-hand stories of 9/11 from those who experienced it. Attendees also enjoyed catering from Mission BBQ and Grill Team Six, a volunteer group of FDNY firefighters dedicated to supporting Tunnel to Towers events, and the T2T Mobile Kitchen. 

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 Friday, May 22^nd, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at loanDepot park for the Mets vs Marlins game.