Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at the White House Ellipse in Washington, D.C. 

The tour will conclude its journey at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in New York City on Friday, September 11th 

WASHINGTON D.C. [September 8, 2026] — On Tuesday, September 8th, at the invitation of President Trump, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour brought a 21-foot, 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center to the White House Ellipse in Washington, D.C. 

For the 39th stop on a nationwide tour in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Steel Across America brought the beam to the doorstep of the White House, offering members of the Trump Administration, military service members, first responders, and the American public a rare and historic opportunity to experience this sacred artifact firsthand.  

Guests began arriving on the Ellipse at 8:30 AM to the sound of a military band. The ceremony began at 10:00 AM to a Color Guard performance by the FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, DC Metro PD & FD, followed by pipes and drums by the NYPD, PAPD, FDNY. 

Danny Rodriguez led a performance of the national anthem, which was followed by the blessing of the steel led by FDNY Chaplain Gigantiello. The Chaplain spoke of the importance of love, compassion, and courage in connecting all groups of people. He reflected on the impacts of 9/11, and the actions that followed — like on September 12th, how people came together across all walks of life in the spirit of dignity, unity, and hope. 

Joe LaPointe led a collective moment of silence to honor the lives lost on September 11th and since. Jillian Cardarelli sang Amazing Grace, which was then rendered again on pipes and drums, before Joe LaPointe retired the colors and introduced Brad Blakeman. 

Brad Blakeman, former Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush and Tunnel to Towers Board Member, took to the stage to deliver opening remarks, reflecting on the significance of bringing the Steel Across America tour to the White House Ellipse in the final days leading up to the 25th anniversary of September 11. He reflected on being in the White House 25 years ago, supporting then-President George W. Bush before, during, and after the fateful events of that day. He then thanked attending sponsors, donors, first responders, military service members, and members of the Trump Administration for their continued support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and their commitment to Do Good. 

Frank Siller, Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO, then took to the stage to reflect on personal memories of 9/11, including memories of his brother Stephen Siller, fallen FDNY firefighter, and how Stephen’s legacy inspired the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission to do good. 

“This steel has the soul of not just my brother, but of so many others,” said Frank Siller, Tunnel to Towers Chairman & CEO. “Every day we give every ounce of our energy to ensure that those lives lost on 9/11 are not forgotten. It is our responsibility to ensure their names are never forgotten, their memories remain in the work that we do. It is our honor, and it is our promise, that we will Never Forget.”  

Siller then thanked President Trump for hosting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at the White House and presented a commemorative flag in thanks to the President for hosting Steel Across America and for his dedication to honoring the heroes who have served this nation. The custom-built flag features 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. 

President Trump entered the program area alongside Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, as “Hail to the Chief” played across the Ellipse. Upon taking the stage, President Trump delivered remarks honoring the legacy of September 11, the sacrifice of the 2,977 Americans lost that day, and the courage of the first responders, military service members, and Gold Star families the Tunnel to Towers Foundation serves. 

“September 11th was one of those moments in time where everyone knows exactly where they were,” said President Trump. “I know exactly where I was. It was a beautiful morning. I looked out, and all of a sudden, I looked out my window and saw things I never want to see again. In just over 100 minutes, concrete and steel were reduced to ruin and thousands of lives were extinguished. The world we knew was changed forever. So many things changed because of that day.” 

“This battered piece of steel is a reminder America is blessed with a strength no evil can conquer and no terror can destroy,” said President Trump. “For the past four months, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has taken this steel across the nation to remind Americans what we took away that day and what we did. Their photos are all around us today — these incredible first responders. Men and women — incredible, brave people. We thank you, and we salute you.” 

President Trump concluded his remarks by presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Alison and Paige Crowther, in honor of Welles Crowther — known as the Man in the Red Bandana. Alison Crowther spoke of the events 25 years ago, of her son’s bravery, and the impact first responders continue to have today. She thanked President Trump, along with friends and family on-site today. 

President Trump closed the event thanking the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for their work supporting first responders. Guests were then invited to approach and touch the steel over the course of the following hour, as food was served by Grill Team Six and the FDNY 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 Friday, September 11th, Steel Across America will conclude its historic 10,500-mile journey at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in New York City — the very tunnel Stephen Siller ran through 25 years ago to reach the World Trade Center — marking the tour’s 36th and final stop on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.