Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 at Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, Utah 

The tour will next visit Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota on July 28th 

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH [July 23, 2026] — On Thursday, July 23rd, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation completed its 25th stop on the ‘Steel Across America’ tour visiting the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, Utah. The nationwide tour commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11, brought a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center to the Beehive State, offering Salt Lake City community members a rare opportunity to experience this sacred artifact firsthand, and pay tribute to the heroes who answered the call on September 11. 

The ceremony was hosted by Jack Kielty, Retired FDNY Lieutenant and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member, who welcomed guests and guided the formal proceedings. The program opened with a Color Guard and Pipes and Drums procession, followed by a performance of the national anthem by Ross Graham & Triest Graham. Reverend John S. Evans then delivered the invocation and blessing of the steel. Kielty returned to the stage to retire the colors and deliver opening remarks on the significance of the steel and the tour’s mission before introducing the morning’s speakers. 

Sheriff Rosie Rivera took the stage to deliver remarks and speak to what it means to welcome the steel to Salt Lake City, reaffirming the city’s promise to never allow that date to fade from public memory. Major George Hansen of the Utah State Highway Patrol followed with remarks honoring the first responders who gave their lives on 9/11 and recognizing the men and women of Salt Lake City who serve and protect this city every day. Lastly Justin Soha, Market Ops Manager at Lube Management Corp, took the stage to talk about the company’s partnership and support with the Foundation in Utah and beyond. 

Kathy Cunningham, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member, was then introduced to the stage. Cunningham delivered remarks honoring Stephen Siller’s legacy and the promise that drives Steel Across America from coast to coast, speaking to the Salt Lake City community about the importance of carrying this story forward to a generation that did not live through the events of what the tour seeks to remember. 

As part of the ceremonial proceedings, Stephen Siller Jr., son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, presented a commemorative steel flag to Sheriff Rivera. The flag is a custom-built tribute featuring the New York City skyline with the Twin Towers standing tall, incorporating original World Trade Center steel, presented only to those who demonstrate honorable dedication to the work and mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Kielty returned to the stage to bring the formal program to a close, after which the steel beam was made available for viewing and reflection.  

“There is something deeply moving about bringing this steel to the steps of a state capitol, in a community that so clearly lives out its commitment to those who serve,” said Stephen Siller Jr. “Salt Lake City has welcomed this steel with open arms and open hearts, and that means everything to our Foundation and to the families we care for. Thank you for helping us bring this piece of the towers to every corner of this country and remind every American to Never Forget the courage and sacrifice of September 11th.” 

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 Tuesday, July 28th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota.  

For the Steel Across America tour route, dates and more information click here. 

B-roll footage and images are available at the digital media kit if you’d like to cover this announcement.