Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama

The tour will next visit Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Thursday, May 28^th

MOBILE, ALABAMA [May 25, 2026] — On Monday, May 25^h, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama. 

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

The ceremony was hosted by Tom O’Connor, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member, who welcomed guests and guided the morning’s ceremonial proceedings. The program opened with a Color Guard and Pipes & Drums Procession featuring the Taps Drill Honor Guard, accompanied by the Alabama Pipes and Drums. Bryany Kimbrough of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office then performed the national anthem. 

O’Connor introduced the steel beam and invited Reverend Thomas Heard to deliver the invocation and blessing of the steel. Following the blessing, O’Connor honored the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001 — including 3 New York State Court Officers, 23 members of the NYPD, 37 Port Authority Police officers, and 343 members of the FDNY — before calling for a moment of silent reflection. The Alabama Pipes and Drums then performed Amazing Grace as the colors were retired. 

O’Connor delivered remarks reflecting on the founding mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the significance of the Steel Across America tour, honoring the 2,977 lives lost on September 11 as well as the more than 7,000 brave service members who gave their lives in the Global War on Terror. He recognized the veterans and first responders in attendance before extending the Foundation’s gratitude to USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park for hosting Steel Across America. 

Anthony Lacorazza, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member, then took the stage to acknowledge the broad community of supporters who make the Steel Across America tour possible, including donors, sponsors, state and local dignitaries, volunteers, and the dedicated Foundation staff. Lacorazza also recognized the logistical partners behind the tour, including Ledwell, who manufactured the tour’s custom transport truck, and the teams at Medallion and Freedom Transport for their care of the steel throughout the journey. 

Mark K. Fields, Executive Director of USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, then delivered remarks on behalf of the museum, speaking to the honor of welcoming Steel Across America to one of the nation’s most storied military memorials and the importance of preserving the legacy of September 11 for generations to come. 

Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, then addressed the crowd, reflecting on his father’s legacy and the enduring mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

“The USS ALABAMA is a monument to the courage and sacrifice that has always defined this nation, and there is no more fitting place to bring this steel,” said Stephen Siller Jr. “Steel Across America is about making sure that every American can stand before this beam and feel the weight of September 11, and see the strength that rose from it. We carry this steel across the country just like we carry every name, every family, and every act of heroism. That is our promise.” 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Stephen Siller Jr. and Tom O’Connor presented a commemorative steel flag to Mark K. Fields on behalf of USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, in recognition of the park’s hospitality in hosting Steel Across America and its commitment to honoring the nation’s heroes.  

Following the formal program, the steel beam was made available to all guests for viewing and reflection. Attendees were also invited to explore the USS ALABAMA museum and enjoy lunch prepared by Guy Fieri, a dedicated supporter of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

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 28^th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA.