Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California 

The tour will next visit SeaSalt at the Beach in Huntington Beach, California on June 26. 

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA [June 23, 2026] — On Tuesday, June 23rd, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California. 

For the 18^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 San Diego, offering guests of the USS Midway Museum and the local community a rare opportunity to experience this sacred artifact firsthand. The steel beam arrived at the Navy Pier via escort from the San Diego Police and Fire departments before invited guests were welcomed aboard the USS Midway for an evening of remembrance and reflection.  The public was invited to spend time viewing the steel beam before a formal private ceremony commenced aboard the USS Midway’s flight deck. 

The evening’s program was initiated by retired New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Ceremonial Unit Commander and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Joe LaPointe, who welcomed guests and opened the ceremony’s proceedings. The program started with a Color Guard presentation and Pipes and Drums Procession, followed by a performance of the National Anthem by Victoria Robertson. San Diego Fire Department Chaplain Mickey Stonier then delivered the invocation, offering a blessing over the steel and setting a tone of solemn reverence for the evening ahead. LaPointe led the audience in a moment of silent reflection in honor of those lost on September 11, 2001, followed by a performance of Taps and a Pipes and Drums rendition of Amazing Grace, before overseeing the retirement of colors. 

LaPointe then introduced John LaBarbera, retired New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Battalion Chief and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Executive Board Member, who delivered opening remarks before welcoming Eric Cortina, Executive Vice President of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, to the stage. Cortina addressed the crowd with remarks on the significance of the Steel Across America tour and the Foundation’s mission to honor the heroes of September 11th and those who continue to serve in their spirit. 

LaBarbera then introduced Rear Admiral Terry Kraft, CEO of the USS Midway Museum, who took the stage to deliver remarks speaking to the profound significance of welcoming the Steel Across America tour aboard one of the most storied vessels in American naval history, and the shared values of courage, sacrifice, and service that unite the Midway’s legacy with the mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

“The USS Midway Museum is honored to support the Steel Across America Tour in San Diego,” shared Rear Admiral Kraft. “For more than two decades, we’ve proudly partnered with the FDNY Retirees of San Diego to commemorate the events of September 11^th through an annual remembrance ceremony held on our flight deck. Helping to honor the lives lost and the heroes who responded that day is extremely important to all of us on Midway.” 

Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Jen Brekke followed with her own acknowledgments, recognizing the sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and community partners whose generosity and dedication made the evening possible. 

Scott Nokes, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and a Tunnel to Towers Foundation recipient, addressed the crowd, offering attendees a powerful and firsthand reminder 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. 

Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, then took the stage to reflect on his father’s legacy, the journey of the Steel Across America tour, and the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to serving those who have sacrificed for this country. His remarks were accompanied by an FDNY Ceremonial Push-in – an honored tradition where a new fire engine is welcomed into the station – that brought the commitment to servitude and protection to the fore of the evening’s proceedings. 

“To stand on the flight deck of the USS Midway and look out at the men and women gathered here tonight is to understand what this tour is truly about,” said Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. “This ship carried heroes. This steel was touched by heroes. And the people in this room have dedicated their lives to honoring them. My father believed that when you have the ability to help someone, you have the obligation to do it. Steel Across America is how we keep that promise, one city, one community, one act of remembrance at a time.” 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Siller Jr. invited Rear Admiral Terry Kraft to the stage for the presentation of a commemorative steel flag. The custom-built flag features 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. 

Following the formal program, LaBarbera delivered closing remarks before guests were invited to enjoy a dinner reception as the steel beam remained available for viewing and reflection throughout the evening. 

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. 

The media kit containing photo and video assets from San Diego can be found here. 

On June 26, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at SeaSalt at the Beach in Huntington Beach, California.