Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at the Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas 

The tour will next visit the Oklahoma City Police Headquarters on Friday, June 12^th

FORT WORTH, TEXAS [June 9, 2026] — On Tuesday, June 9th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited the Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas. 

For the fifteenth stop on a nationwide tour in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Steel Across America brought a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center to Fort Worth, offering local community members and visitors to one of Texas’ most iconic landmarks a rare opportunity to experience this 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 presentation of colors by the Fort Worth Police and Fire Departments Joint Color Guard, accompanied by a bugle performance by Detective Kyle Harris of the Fort Worth Police Department. Fort Worth Police Corporal Stephen Srein then performed the national anthem. 

O’Connor introduced Fort Worth Fire Department Chaplain Brent Sanderson, who delivered the invocation and blessing of the steel. Following the blessing, O’Connor introduced the steel beam and its significance to the crowd, called for a moment of silent reflection accompanied by a performance of Amazing Grace, and oversaw the retirement of colors. He then delivered personal remarks reflecting on the meaning of the Steel Across America tour and the enduring importance of honoring those lost on September 11, 2001, before offering thanks to the supporters and community partners who made the event possible. 

Eddie Garcia, Fort Worth Chief of Police, then took the stage to deliver remarks, honoring the first responders who gave their lives on September 11 and recognizing the men and women of law enforcement and fire service who continue to protect and serve communities across the country every day. Garcia’s remarks underscored the deep bond between the Fort Worth public safety community and the mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

Craig Trojacek, Public Information Officer for the Fort Worth Fire Department, then addressed the crowd, speaking to the significance of welcoming Steel Across America to Fort Worth and the lasting impact that the events of September 11 have had on fire departments and first responder communities nationwide. 

Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, then addressed the crowd, reflecting on his father’s legacy and the promise that drives the Steel Across America tour from coast to coast. 

“Fort Worth has always been a city that understands the meaning of service. Today, standing here with the Fort Worth Police and Fire Departments, that has never been clearer,” said Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. “My father ran toward danger on September 11 because it was who he was, and because that is what first responders do. Every police officer, every firefighter, every first responder in this country carries that same commitment. Steel Across America is our way of saying: we see you, we honor you, and we will never forget the sacrifice that defines your service.” 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Stephen Siller Jr. presented a commemorative steel flag to the City of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, in recognition of their service to the community and their support in hosting Steel Across America. The custom-built flag features the New York City skyline with the Twin Towers standing tall, incorporating World Trade Center steel — presented only to those who demonstrate honorable dedication to the work and mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

Following the formal program, the steel beam was made available for all guests to approach and reflect upon. Attendees also enjoyed catering provided by Grill Team Six, a volunteer group of FDNY firefighters dedicated to supporting Tunnel to Towers events across the country. 

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 from Ground Zero in the days following the attacks by the thousands of first responders who answered the call, the beam stands as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and the unbreakable American spirit that emerged from tragedy. 

On June 12^th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at the Oklahoma City Police Headquarters in Oklahoma City, OK.