Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida 

The tour will next visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama on Monday, May 25 

MIAMI, FLORIDA [May 22, 2026] — On Friday, May 22^nd, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited loanDepot park for the Marlins-Mets baseball game in Miami, Florida. 

For the eighth 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 Miami, offering local community members a rare opportunity to experience this powerful sacred artifact firsthand.  

The ceremony at the West Plaza was led by retired FDNY Lieutenant and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Tom O’Connor, who spoke to the importance of the steel beam as a symbol of remembrance. As part of the day’s programming, ticket-holding attendees were able to view the steel beam from the South Tower up close throughout the evening, hear and connect with first-hand stories of 9/11 from those who experienced it, and enjoy on-field surprises.  

As the proceedings moved inside the stadium, Tom O’Connor presented a commemorative steel flag to Todd Metro, Director of Security, Miami Marlins & Former NYPD Detective, serving as a gesture of gratitude for the hospitality in hosting Steel Across America. Todd Metro ceremoniously received the steel beam on behalf of the Marlins organization.  

“This event at loanDepot park is a tribute to the role that baseball played for the American people following the terrorist attacks on September 11^th, 2001 – ‘America’s favorite past time’ united all of us. The Steel Across America tour aims to emulate those feelings of togetherness and shared community,” said Stephen Siller, Stephen Siller Jr. “Being able to share this evening with Lance Corporal Parker and his family, plus our very own New York Mets, has made today all the more meaningful.” 

Marine Lance Corporal Thomas Parker, a veteran of America’s armed forces, was honored by the Marlins and invited to throw the first pitch of the game. Then, Tom O’Connor and Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, presented Lance Corporal Parker with a Tunnel to Towers Foundation key signifying a new mortgage-free smart home before announcing over the stadium loudspeaker that he and his family would receive a surprise accessible home that has been custom built for his needs as a triple amputee and father of six. 

“I am honored to be the guest at tonight’s game and to join a stop on the Steel Across America tour. I feel like my service to our country and effort to make a great life with a second chance has been truly celebrated,” said Lance Corporal Parker. “An accessible, mortgage-free home – not to mention throwing the first pitch of the game – is dream come true for my family and I. I want other servicemembers to know that brighter days are ahead, especially when Tunnel to Towers lights the way.” 

The 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 Monday, May 25^th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, AL.