Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota 

The tour will next visit the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver, CO on August 1^st  

KEYSTONE, SOUTH DAKOTA [July 28, 2026] — On Tuesday, July 28th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota. 

For the 26^th 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 one of the most iconic and sacred landmarks in the United States, offering guests of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and local community members a rare opportunity to experience this artifact firsthand.  

The steel beam arrived on site with a ceremonial reveal as Tunnel to Towers Foundation leadership and first responders welcomed guests to begin the morning’s events. Retired FDNY Battalion Commander Joe LaPointe guided the ceremony’s proceedings with the FDNY Ceremonial Honor Guard, South Dakota State Police, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department Pipes and Drums. 

 The program opened with a performance of the National Anthem by the Shrine of Democracy Chorus, followed by an invocation and blessing of the steel delivered by Father Andrzej. LaPointe then formally introduced the steel beam, led the audience in a moment of silent reflection, and oversaw the retirement of colors. Retired FDNY Battalion Chief John Carroll then served as host for the remainder of the program.  

Jennifer Carpenter, Superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, delivered remarks on the significance of welcoming the Steel Across America tour to Mount Rushmore, and of the ideals that have defined the American spirit across generations. 

“Mount Rushmore National Memorial honors the leaders and ideals that have shaped our nation,” said Superintendent Jennifer Carpenter. “We are honored to welcome the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America tour and help preserve the memory of those whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire Americans.”  

Mike Lentin, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member and President of CitiQuiet Windows, led acknowledgments and shoutouts, recognizing the sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and community partners whose generosity and dedication made the morning’s events possible. 

Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, then took the stage, accompanied by an FDNY Ceremonial Push-in. As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Siller Jr. presented a commemorative steel flag to Superintendent Jennifer Carpenter — a gift bestowed to those who demonstrate honorable dedication to the work and mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

Retired USMC Corporal Scott Nokes shared a powerful firsthand story of the real and lasting impact of the Foundation’s mission and the men and women whose lives of service the Steel Across America tour is dedicated to honoring. 

“There is no more fitting backdrop for this steel than the faces of the presidents who shaped this nation carved into the mountain behind us,” said Siller. “Each of those leaders understood that freedom is not free, and that the greatness of America has always been built on the backs of those willing to give everything in its defense. The heroes of September 11th gave everything. Steel Across America is our promise to each and every one of them that this Foundation, and this country, will never stop honoring their sacrifice.” 

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. 

For the Steel Across America tour route, dates and more information click here.