Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at the Cincinnati Fire Museum in Cincinnati, OH 

The tour will next visit West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York on September 1st. 

On Saturday, August 22nd, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation brought its Steel Across America tour to the Cincinnati Fire Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio for its thirty-second 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 steel beam arrived onsite ahead of the morning ceremony, and doors opened to welcome veterans, first responders, and community members eager to experience this sacred artifact firsthand. 

Retired FDNY Lieutenant and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Joe LaPointe hosted the ceremony, welcoming guests and guiding the day’s proceedings. The program opened with a Color Guard presentation and Hamilton County Pipes & Drums, followed by the national anthem performed by Aprina Johnson. Cincinnati Fire Department Chaplain Lt. James Jasper delivered the invocation and blessing of the steel, followed by a moment of silence and a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by the Hamilton County Pipes & Drums. LaPointe then retired the colors and delivered opening remarks on the significance of the steel and the mission behind Steel Across America. 

“There is something uniquely powerful about bringing this steel to a fire museum,” said LaPointe. “Cincinnati has a proud and storied fire service tradition, and today, standing here with the men and women who carry that tradition forward every single day, we are reminded of exactly why Steel Across America exists. This beam is not just a piece of history. It is a promise to every firefighter, first responder, and family who has given everything in the line of duty, that their sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten.” 

LaPointe introduced Cincinnati Fire Chief Frank McKinley, who spoke to the significance of hosting the tour in Cincinnati and honoring the shared bond between first responders across the nation. 

“Having this piece of the World Trade Center steel in Cincinnati is both an honor and a solemn reminder of what it means to serve,” said Cincinnati Fire Chief Frank McKinley. “The 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001, represented the very best of the fire service — courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to others. Those values connect firefighters across generations and across communities. As we reflect on their sacrifice, we must also recommit ourselves to carrying that legacy forward through our service to the people of Cincinnati.” 

Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney followed with remarks on behalf of the city, reflecting on the enduring impact of September 11th and the importance of carrying its memory forward for future generations. 

Chris Dalambakis, Cincinnati Fire Museum Board Member, then took the stage to speak to the museum’s role in preserving the history and sacrifice of first responders, and the significance of welcoming the World Trade Center steel to Cincinnati. 

Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Jean Ringhoff followed with acknowledgments, recognizing the sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and community partners whose generosity and dedication made the day’s events possible. LaPointe then introduced Scott Nokes, a Tunnel to Towers Foundation recipient and team member, who shared his personal story and the impact of the Foundation’s mission on his life and family. 

“I know firsthand what it means to have the Tunnel to Towers Foundation show up for you when you need it most,” said Nokes. “This foundation changes lives. It changed mine. When I stand before this steel and think about the men and women we lost on September 11, I feel an obligation to make sure their story keeps being told. I am honored to be here, today, as part of this journey.” 

Nokes invited Dalambakis back to the stage for a special Steel Flag presentation. LaPointe explained the significance of the flag — a custom-built tribute featuring the New York City skyline with the Twin Towers standing tall, incorporating original World Trade Center steel — presented only to those who demonstrate honorable dedication to the work and mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Members of the FDNY joined the front of the stage for the presentation. 

LaPointe delivered closing remarks, thanking attendees for joining the tour stop and reminding them of the shared responsibility to ensure the sacrifices made on September 11th are never forgotten. 

The steel beam was made available for viewing and reflection, allowing all guests the opportunity to approach and pay their respects before and after the ceremony. Guests were also invited to enjoy a catered lunch by the Tunnel to Towers Mobile Kitchen. 

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 Tuesday, September 1st, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York. 

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

The media kit containing photo and video assets from this event in Cincinnati can be found here.