Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

The tour will next visit Space Center Houston in Houston, Texas, on Sunday, May 31^st  

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA [May 28, 2026] — On Thursday, May 28^th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited the Louisiana State University’s Memorial Hall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

For the tenth 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 Baton Rouge, offering local community members a rare opportunity to experience this powerful sacred artifact firsthand.  

The steel truck arrived via an escort by the LSU Police Department followed by a performance by the Baton Rouge Fire Department’s Honor Guard with pipes played by the Baton Rouge and State Fire Marshall. Firefighter Michael Richardson sang the national anthem to kick off the ceremony hosted by retired FDNY Battalion Chief and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member John Caroll.  

Caroll introduced the steel beam and invited Pastor Brian Lawrence to deliver the invocation and blessing of the steel. Following the blessing, Caroll held a moment of silence in honor of the memory of those who gave their lives in service to the nation, recognizing the veterans and first responders in attendance before extending the Foundation’s gratitude to LSU for hosting Steel Across America. The colors were retired, and Caroll shared a personal anecdote about honor and sacrifice before inviting Louisiana State University Provost Troy Blanchard to share remarks.  

Blanchard took the stage and addressed the event’s attendees noting the solemnity of what the Steel Across America tour seeks to commemorate, and how LSU is no stranger to dedicating time and resources to supporting servicemen and women – being that the school is home to the largest ROTC program in the nation. Blanchard delivered a message of hospitality and commitment on behalf of the university to lasting remembrance of our nation’s heroes, and there being no better place to share this sentiment than LSU’s Memorial Hall building.  

Caroll then invited Baton Rouge Fire Chief Michael Kimble to the stage, where he acknowledged the importance of the Steel Across America tour and the endeavor to “Never Forget” not only the bravery of those who gave their lives to save others, but a shared sense of purpose and wider community. Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, then addressed the crowd, reflecting on the powerful imagery that the steel beam invokes and the tour stop in Baton Rouge. 

“This beam represents something bigger than any of us. It is a connection to the men and women who gave their lives on September 11th, and a reminder of the courage and service that defined that day,” said Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller. “Twenty-five years later, our commitment to never forgetting their sacrifice is as strong as ever – and the LSU community embodies this perfectly.” 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Stephen Siller Jr. and John Caroll presented a commemorative steel flag to Troy Blanchard on behalf of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in recognition of LSU’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 enjoy a locally catered lunch. 

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 31^st, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at Space Center Houston in Houston, TX.