Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California 

The tour will next visit Pier 27 in San Francisco, California on July 10. 

SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA [July 1, 2026] — On Wednesday, July 1st, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. 

For the 22^nd stop on a nationwide tour in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Steel Across America hosted a special patriotic event for the Simi Valley community ahead of the July 4^th holiday weekend. The touring steel beam arrived via police and fire escort to the library’s designated staging area, where guests were welcomed for an early viewing and photo opportunities before the formal program commenced. The artifact joins the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library’s steel beam that has been on display at the museum for over a decade – presenting a rare opportunity to witness two of these historical items in one place. Attendees were invited to spend time in quiet reflection with the steel during a cocktail hour reception as the evening got underway. 100 docents from the Presidential Library attended the event. 

The program was hosted by retired FDNY Battalion Commander Joe LaPointe, who welcomed guests and guided the evening’s ceremonial proceedings. The ceremony opened with a Color Guard presentation featuring the Simi Valley Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, and FDNY Honor Guard, followed by a Pipes and Drums Procession performed by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Pipes and Drums, and a performance of the National Anthem by Katherine Reaves. Chaplain Art Simeri then delivered the invocation, offering a blessing over the steel and centering the room in a spirit of solemn reflection. LaPointe led the audience in a moment of silence in honor of those lost on September 11, 2001, followed by a Pipes and Drums rendition of Amazing Grace and the retirement of colors. 

LaPointe then introduced Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Brad Blakeman, who delivered opening remarks before welcoming Executive Vice President of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Eric Cortina to the stage. Cortina addressed the crowd with remarks and shoutouts, recognizing the sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and community partners whose generosity and dedication made the evening possible. 

Blakeman then introduced Gary Hoffman who delivered remarks reflecting on the enduring legacy of September 11th and the importance of honoring those who answered the call that day and every day since. 

Blakeman introduced Chief Marketing and Cultural Programming Officer at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute Melissa Giller, who took the stage to deliver remarks speaking to the profound significance of welcoming the Steel Across America tour to a place dedicated to the legacy of one of America’s most revered leaders, and the shared values of patriotism, courage, and service that unite the library’s mission with that of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

“It is deeply fitting to welcome this steel beam to a place dedicated to the legacy of a president who believed, above all else, in the courage and character of the American people,” said Giller.  “The first responders who gave their lives on September 11th embodied everything President Reagan stood for. To have this sacred piece of history here is a profound honor, and we stand with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in their promise to never forget.” 

Jacqueline Wampler, a Tunnel to Towers Foundation Gold Star family member, the addressed the crowd, offering attendees a powerful and personal reminder of the real and lasting impact of the Foundation’s mission and the profound sacrifices made by the families of those who gave their lives in service to this country. 

Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, then took the stage, accompanied by an FDNY Ceremonial Push-in, reflecting on his father’s legacy, the journey of the Steel Across America tour, and the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to serving those who have sacrificed for this country. 

“To bring this steel to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is to bring it to a place that understands what it means to stand for something greater than yourself,” said Siller. “President Reagan believed in the goodness of this nation and in the men and women who defend it – we carry this steel so that every hero who gave their life that day, and every family left behind, knows that America has not forgotten them and never will.” 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Siller Jr. invited Melissa Giller to the stage for the presentation of a commemorative steel flag, as Blakeman addressed the audience to explain the significance of the steel flag and what its presentation represents. 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, Blakeman delivered closing remarks before guests were invited to enjoy a dinner reception. The steel beam was made available for viewing and reflection outside, and guests were offered the additional opportunity to tour the Air Force One Pavilion, one of the library’s most celebrated exhibits. The steel truck remains in residence at the Presidential Library through July 4^th as part of the festivities for America’s 250^th birthday. 

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. 

The media kit containing photo and video assets from Simi Valley can be found here. 

On July 10, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at Pier 27 in San Francisco, California.