Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Makes Historic Stop at USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community 

Next the tour will be in San Diego, California at the NASCAR Event at Naval Base Coronado from June 19-21 

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA [June 17, 2026] — On Wednesday, June 17th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’  tour made its seventeenth stop at the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) outside of Scottsdale, Arizona, bringing a steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center to sovereign tribal land for the first and only time on the coast-to-coast tour, and offering first responders, tribal members, and members of the community a rare opportunity to experience this sacred artifact firsthand. 

Earlier in the day, the steel beam was on display at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM MST, where visitors were invited to view the artifact and engage with the Foundation’s mission ahead of the evening’s main ceremony. The Hall of Flame stop offered Phoenix-area residents who could not attend the evening event their own opportunity to stand before the steel and reflect on the heroism it represents. 

As the sun began to set, the Salt River Police Department led a solemn steel procession onto the grounds of the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens, accompanied by the Arizona Fire Service Pipe Band, marking the arrival of the World Trade Center steel beam to sovereign tribal land. 

The evening ceremony marked a historic milestone for the Steel Across America tour, as World Trade Center steel stood alongside the largest piece of the USS Arizona on display outside of Hawaii for the first time. The USS Arizona became the final resting place for 1,177 crew members in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and together these two artifacts represent the nation’s most defining moments of loss, courage, and resolve. Their convergence in one place, on one evening, was a once-in-a-generation act of shared remembrance. 

The program was hosted by Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Brad Blakeman, who welcomed guests and began proceedings with a presentation of colors by Salt River Police Department Color Guard and the Arizona Fire Service Pipe Band, followed by a performance of the national anthem by Shannon Hoffman. Blakeman then introduced “Bushmasters” American Legion Post #114, Chaplain Ric Hartman, who delivered an invocation and blessing of the steel. Blakeman led the audience in a moment of silent reflection in honor of those lost on September 11, 2001, and those who perished at Pearl Harbor, before delivering remarks on the significance of this historic stop and the beam’s meaning as a physical embodiment of the nation’s promise to Never Forget. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was deeply honored to bring Steel Across America to the home of the Onk Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Xalychidom Piipaash (Maricopa) people, who have called Salt River home for time immemorial. American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the United States Armed Forces at five times the national average and have fought with extraordinary distinction in every major American conflict for over 200 years. The Foundation’s visit to sovereign tribal land was a recognition of that unmatched tradition of service and sacrifice. 

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Vice President Ricardo Leonard welcomed the Foundation and spoke to the profound honor of hosting the Steel Across America tour. “Salt River recognizes the responsibility of preserving the stories and sacrifices that shaped the world we inherit and ensuring future generations understand their significance. We are honored to host this event and serve as the only stop located within tribal boundaries. May we honor our fallen heroes not only through memorials and ceremonies, but through service to one another, strengthening our communities, and upholding the values for which so many have sacrificed.” 

Board member of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Jen Brekke followed with acknowledgments and shoutouts, recognizing the sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and community partners whose generosity and dedication made the evening possible. 

Stephen Siller Jr. addressed the crowd with remarks that honored the extraordinary legacy of Native American service to this country. “Tonight is about honoring all those who serve and sacrifice for this nation, and we could not be more humbled to be here on the land of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community,” Siller Jr. said. “American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in our armed forces at a rate that is unmatched by any other community in this country. They have given so much, for so long. Bringing this steel here tonight is our way of saying that their service is seen, their sacrifice is honored, and their legacy will Never be Forgotten.” 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Blakeman presented a commemorative steel flag to Vice President Leonard in recognition of the SRPMIC’s extraordinary hospitality and its community’s unmatched tradition of service to this nation. The custom-built flag features the New York City skyline with the Twin Towers standing tall, incorporating World Trade Center steel, and is presented only to those who demonstrate honorable dedication to the work and mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

The steel beam remained available for viewing and reflection throughout the evening as guests enjoyed a locally catered dinner on the grounds of the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens, with the two pieces of steel standing side by side as a testament to the American spirit that has risen from every tragedy this nation has faced. 

The media kit containing photo and video assets from the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River event can be found here. 

From June 19–21 the Steel Across America will make its next official stop during the upcoming NASCAR San Diego Weekend at Naval Base Coronado. 

About the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River 

The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River is a five-acre memorial dedicated to honoring the 1,500+ individuals aboard the USS Arizona (BB-39) on December 7, 1941. Located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Memorial Gardens feature the original USS Arizona Boat House relic which is the largest piece outside of Hawaii and only piece of the USS Arizona placed in the care of a tribal community. Designed to match the ship’s exact footprint, the Memorial Gardens includes illuminated commemorative columns, individual recognition markers, desert plants and cultural elements reflecting the heritage of the Onk Akimel O’odham and Xalychidom Piipaash. The Memorial Gardens are free and open to the public. Learn more at USSArizonaSaltRiver.com