Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at The Indiana War Memorial and Museum in Indianapolis, IN

The tour will next visit the Cincinnati Fire Museum, in Cincinnati, OH on Saturday, August 22nd at 11:00 AM 

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA [August 19, 2026] — On Wednesday, August 19th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation brought its Steel Across America tour to the Indiana War Memorial & Museum in Indianapolis, IN, for its thirty-first 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 ceremony was led by Jack Kielty, FDNY Lieutenant and Tunnel to Towers Board Member, who welcomed guests and guided the morning’s ceremonial kickoff. The program opened with a Color Guard and Pipes & Drums Procession, followed by a performance of the national anthem by the Voices of the Indianapolis Fire Department. Indianapolis Fire Department Chaplain Mike Gatliff then delivered the invocation and blessing of the steel. Kielty called for a moment of silent reflection, accompanied by a performance of Amazing Grace by the Pipes and Drums, before overseeing the retirement of colors and delivering opening remarks on the significance of the steel and the Steel Across America tour. 

Kielty then introduced Indianapolis Fire Division Chief Tom Neal, who took the stage to deliver remarks reflecting on the enduring bond between Indianapolis’s first responder community and the legacy of September 11, including what it means to welcome a piece of that history to the heart of Indiana’s capital city. 

Following Chief Neal’s remarks, retired Major General and Museum Executive Director Timothy Winslow, spoke to the profound significance of welcoming Steel Across America to the Indiana War Memorial & Museum — a place dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served and sacrificed for this nation across generations. Winslow drew a powerful connection between the museum’s mission to preserve the memory of those who served and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s unwavering commitment to Never Forget. 

Jean Ringhoff, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member, then offered acknowledgments and shoutouts, recognizing the sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and community partners whose generosity and dedication made the event possible. 

“Every stop on this tour reminds me that grief and gratitude have no zip code,” said Jean Ringhoff, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member. “The people who show up: firefighters, veterans, families, community members — they are proof that of the American spirit of service. Indianapolis has opened its arms to Steel Across America, and we leave here more determined than ever to honor every life lost on September 11 and every hero who carries that legacy forward.” 

In a deeply moving moment, Scott Nokes, a Tunnel to Towers Foundation recipient, addressed the crowd and shared his personal story — offering attendees a powerful and firsthand reminder of the real and lasting impact of the Foundation’s mission and of the sacrifices made by the service members and first responders the Steel Across America tour is dedicated to honoring. 

“Bringing this steel to Indianapolis, and to a museum that has stood for over a century as a tribute to American sacrifice, is deeply moving,” said Jack Kielty. “Indiana veterans and first responders understand what it means to serve. Standing here today, in this place, we honor the men and women who gave their lives. Indianapolis is making that promise today, and we are grateful.” 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Scott Nokes invited Retired Major General and Museum Executive Director Timothy Winslow to the front of the stage for the steel flag presentation, accompanied by the FDNY. Kielty explained the significance of the commemorative steel flag, a custom-built tribute featuring the New York City skyline with the Twin Towers standing tall alongside an original piece of World Trade Center steel, presented to those who demonstrate honorable dedication to the work and mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The flag was received by Timothy Winslow on behalf of the Indiana War Memorial & Museum. 

Following the formal program, the steel beam was made available for all guests to approach and reflect upon. 

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 Saturday, August 22nd, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at the Cincinnati Fire Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio.