Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at the Home Depot Corporate Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia

The tour will next visit Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes, Florida on Sunday, May 17^th 

MAY 14, 2026 [ATLANTA, GEORGIA] — On Thursday, May 14^th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’ tour visited the Home Depot Corporate Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. 

For the fifth stop on a nationwide tour in honor of the 25^th anniversary of 9/11, Steel Across America brought a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center to Atlanta, offering Home Depot team members a rare opportunity to experience this sacred artifact firsthand.  

The ceremony was led by John Carroll, Retired FDNY Battalion Chief and Tunnel to Towers Board Member. The morning opened with a performance of the national anthem by Kristine Cohn, Home Depot Associate, followed by a performance by the Cobb County Fire Department Honor Guard & Pipes and Drums. Chaplain Dr. Ragan Vandergriff then led the invocation and blessing of the steel. 

Jeanna DellaRagione, Esq., Tunnel to Towers Chief Operating Officer & Board Member, spoke of the ongoing partnership between The Home Depot Foundation and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which has been in place since 2011. Christopher Duffy, Vice President, Home Depot Installation Services and Tunnel to Towers Board Member, spoke of the meaningful changes support from The Home Depot Foundation has enabled, including veteran housing and more. 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, John Carroll, Jeanna DellaRagione, and Stephen Siller Jr. presented a commemorative steel flag to Christopher Duffy, Vice President, Home Depot Installation Services and Tunnel to Towers Board Member. The flag serves as a gesture of gratitude for the hospitality in hosting Steel Across America, and the ongoing support The Home Depot Foundation has provided to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

Duffy then presented a custom Home Depot apron to Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. 

“The Home Depot Foundation has been one of our most committed partners in the mission to serve those who protect and defend us,” said Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. “Steel Across America is our promise to carry the legacy of every first responder, veteran, and service member who gave their lives for this country. Together, we are proving that the American spirit of service is alive and well.” 

Ann Caren, Home Depot Associate, initiated the bell ceremony and spoke to the significance of Memorial Day in honoring service members. Robert Gilmore, Home Depot Associate, spoke to the importance of the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Table. TeAndra Woods, Home Depot Associate, and Rudy Tossel, Home Depot Associate, read the names of fallen associates – drawing event attendees into a moment of reflection and respect. Dylan Steinfeld, Senior Manager of Pro Sales Operations at The Home Depot, played TAPS. 

“The Home Depot Foundation is proud to stand with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in serving the heroes who have sacrificed so much for this country,” said Heather Prill, Director of Team Depot and Strategic Partnerships, The Home Depot Foundation. “Welcoming Steel Across America to Atlanta is a powerful reminder of why this work matters — and of the courage and selflessness that defined September 11 and the years that followed. Honoring that legacy is not just something we believe in; it is something we are committed to every single day.”  

As part of the day’s programming, local attendees were able to view the steel beam from the South Tower up close, as well as hear and connect with first-hand stories of 9/11 from those who experienced it. Attendees also enjoyed catering by Grill Team Six, a volunteer group of FDNY firefighters dedicated to supporting Tunnel to Towers events, and the T2T 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 Sunday, May 17^th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at the Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes, Florida.