Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at Engine 18 in Chicago, Illinois 

 The tour will next visit the Indiana War Memorial & Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana on Wednesday, August 19th at 11:00 AM 

On Wednesday, August 12th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation brought its Steel Across America tour to Engine 18 in Chicago, Illinois, for its thirtieth event. The nationwide tour, honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11, features a 21-foot, 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center’s South Tower. 

The ceremony was led by Joe LaPointe, retired FDNY firefighter and Tunnel to Towers board member. The program opened with a color guard presentation by the Chicago Fire Department Honor Guard, Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Police and Fire Departments, and a performance of the National Anthem by Catherine O’Connell. Chicago Fire Department Chaplain Ryan Brady delivered the invocation and blessing of the steel. LaPointe spoke of his own personal connections to the Chicago Fire Department – sharing a sincere and emotional memory of how the first person he met from outside of New York, who came to help with 9/11 recovery, was from Chicago.  

LaPointe then called for a moment of silent reflection, which was accompanied by a performance of Amazing Grace by the Pipes and Drums, before overseeing the retirement of colors and delivering opening remarks on the significance of the steel and the Steel Across America tour. 

John Carroll, retired Battalion Chief, FDNY, and Tunnel to Towers Board Member, then took the stage to deliver remarks reflecting on the bond between the FDNY and fire departments across the country, including Chicago. Carroll then introduced Chicago Fire Department 1st Deputy Fire Commissioner Brandon Keller, who spoke to the significance of welcoming Steel Across America to Engine 18 and the enduring connection between Chicago’s first responder community and the legacy of September 11. 

Carroll then welcomed Steve Chickerotis, former Chicago Deputy District Fire Chief and Technical Consultant and Producer for Chicago Fire, to the stage. Chickerotis reflected on his deep ties to the Chicago fire service community and the importance of preserving the memory of September 11 for the generations of firefighters who have followed in the footsteps of those who answered the call that day. 

Kathy Cunningham, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member, then thanked the sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and community partners whose generosity and dedication made Chicago’s event possible. 

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

“Chicago has one of the greatest fire departments in the world,” said Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. “After 9/11, nearly 500 Chicago-based firefighters and first responders traveled to New York City. Their bravery was tremendously impactful and should be honored and remembered. Steel Across America is our way of saying: we carry that memory together. We will never forget together. And we are honored to be here, at Engine 18, to make that promise today.” 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Stephen Siller Jr. invited Chicago Fire Department 1st Deputy Fire Commissioner Brandon Keller to the front of the stage for the steel flag presentation, alongside the FDNY. Carroll explained the significance of the commemorative steel flag — a custom-built tribute featuring the New York City skyline with the Twin Towers standing tall, incorporating World Trade Center steel — presented to those who demonstrate honorable dedication to the work and mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The flag was received by Commissioner Keller on behalf of the Chicago Fire Department. 

In a deeply moving tribute, retired CFD Battalion Chief Jake Jakebec honored the legacy of a lifetime of service to the Chicago fire community. The formal program was followed by a Chicago Fire Department Bell Ringing ceremony, a solemn and time-honored tradition of collective remembrance and profound respect. 

To conclude the morning proceedings, the Chicago Fire Department Air-Sea Rescue unit led a flyover in tribute to the first responders honored by Steel Across America. The program concluded with a musical performance by Jessica Rose. 

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 Wednesday, August 19th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at the Indiana War Memorial & Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana at 11:00 AM.