Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at the United States Military Academy at West Point
The tour will next visit the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Boston, Massachusetts on Thursday, September 3rd
WEST POINT, NEW YORK [September 1, 2026] — On Tuesday, September 1st, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation brought its Steel Across America tour to the United States Military Academy at West Point, bringing a piece of the World Trade Center to a place where generations of Americans have answered the call to serve.
The event marked the 33rd stop on Steel Across America’s nationwide journey honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11. At West Point, Steel Across America gave cadets, faculty, staff and guests the opportunity to experience a 21-foot, 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center: a powerful artifact connecting the events of September 11, 2001, to the generations of service that followed.
Joe LaPointe hosted the morning’s formal program, which opened with a Color Guard and Pipes & Drums Procession by the NYPD, FDNY and Port Authority Police Department. Zoe Kim Vandergast led a performance of the national anthem, followed by an invocation and blessing of the steel from Chaplain Pawel J. Zemczak. A moment of silent reflection, accompanied by a performance of “Amazing Grace” by the Pipes and Drums, followed before the colors were retired.
Sal Cassano, Retired FDNY Commissioner and Executive Board Member of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, delivered opening remarks reflecting on the significance of bringing the World Trade Center beam to West Point — a place whose graduates have answered the call of duty in every generation, including in the years that followed September 11, 2001.
West Point Superintendent Lieutenant General James Bartholomees III then addressed the assembled cadets, faculty, and guests, drawing a powerful connection between the legacy of September 11 and the values of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this piece of steel reminds us of the courage of first responders like Stephen Siller and the countless Americans who answered the call in the years that followed, including generations of West Point graduates,” said Lieutenant General James B. Bartholomees III, 62nd Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point. “Today, young men and women continue that legacy of service, guided by Duty, Honor, Country.”
Jeanna DellaRagione, Esq., Tunnel to Towers Chief Operating Officer and Board Member, thanked the sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and community partners whose generosity and dedication have made the Steel Across America tour possible. Bill Gaddis, Tunnel to Towers Board Member and Vice President of Sales at Mohawk, then delivered remarks speaking to the importance of the Foundation’s mission and the role that committed partners and supporters play in carrying it forward.
Lieutenant General Bartholomees then joined Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and brother of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, on stage to receive the commemorative steel flag on behalf of the United States Military Academy at West Point. The flag is a custom-built tribute featuring 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.
Frank Siller then delivered the keynote remarks of the morning, reflecting on his brother’s legacy, the journey of the Steel Across America tour, and the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to honoring every first responder, veteran, and service member who has given their life in service to this country.
“Twenty-five years ago, my brother Stephen strapped on 60 pounds of gear and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toward danger, duty, and the people who needed him inside those towers,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “Duty, Honor, Country: those values connect West Point cadets, Stephen, and first responders all across this country. We are grateful to West Point for welcoming us, and we leave more committed than ever to making sure the sacrifice of September 11 is never forgotten.”
Cassano returned to deliver closing remarks before inviting guests to enjoy lunch provided by the T2T Mobile Kitchen. The steel beam was then made available for all guests to approach and reflect upon, followed by a performance by Noah Jackson.
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 Thursday, September 3rd, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Boston, Massachusetts.
For the Steel Across America tour route, dates, and more information, click here.
About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
Children of the Foundation’s home recipients are offered full scholarships for undergraduate degrees and accredited trade school programs, helping secure their futures. The Foundation is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America Never Forget September 11, 2001.
Visit T2T.org to learn more, and follow Tunnel to Towers on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About West Point
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal service academy located 50 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1802 as America’s first college of engineering and continues today as the world’s premier leader-development institution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission is to build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation. For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Tunnel to Towers Foundation — T2TSteelTour@Sloanepr.com