Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas

The tour will next visit Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas on June 9.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS [June 5, 2026] — On Friday, June 5th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’  tour visited the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas.

For the fourteenth 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 Arlington, offering guests of the National Medal of Honor Museum a rare opportunity to experience this sacred artifact firsthand. The evening began with a cocktail hour and open steel viewing, welcoming attendees to spend time in quiet reflection before the formal program commenced.

The ceremony was hosted by former Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member Brad Blakeman, who welcomed guests and guided the evening’s proceedings. The program opened with a presentation of colors by the Arlington Fire Department Color Guard, followed by a performance of the national anthem by Sonya Hood.

Blakeman then led the audience in a moment of silent reflection in honor of those lost on September 11, 2001, before overseeing the retirement of colors. He delivered remarks and a personal story reflecting on the meaning of the Steel Across America tour, before introducing the steel beam and its significance as a physical embodiment of the nation’s promise to Never Forget.

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Blakeman presented a commemorative steel flag to Cory Crowley, Executive Vice President of the National Medal of Honor Museum, in recognition of the museum’s hospitality in hosting Steel Across America and its 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 only to those who demonstrate honorable dedication to the work and mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Crowley then took the stage to deliver remarks, speaking to the profound significance of welcoming the Steel Across America tour to a museum dedicated to the nation’s highest military honor and the shared values of courage, sacrifice, and service that unite both institutions.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member and President of CitiQuiet Windows Mike Lentin followed with acknowledgments and shoutouts, recognizing the sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and community partners whose generosity and dedication made the evening possible.

In a deeply moving moment, Urbano Rodriguez Jr., a Tunnel to Towers Foundation Smart Home recipient, addressed the crowd. Rodriguez shared his personal story, offering attendees a powerful and firsthand reminder of the real and lasting impact of the Foundation’s mission, as well as the men and women whose lives of service the Steel Across America tour is dedicated to honoring.

Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and brother of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, then delivered remarks, reflecting on the legacy of the nation’s heroes, the journey of the Steel Across America tour, and the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to serving those who have sacrificed for this country.

“The National Medal of Honor Museum is one of the most fitting places we could bring this steel,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “This is a place that truly understands what it means to give everything in service to others. That is the spirit of heroes that responded on September 11th. That is the spirit of every first responder, every veteran, and every Gold Star family we serve. Steel Across America is our promise that their courage and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Following the formal program, guests were invited to enjoy a buffet dinner 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 Arlington can be found here.

On June 9th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas.