Steel Across America: Tunnel to Towers Foundation Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11 in Oklahoma City 

The tour will next visit The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community outside of Scottsdale, AZ on June 17. 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA [June 12, 2026] — On Friday, June 12th, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s ‘Steel Across America’  tour visited The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and the Oklahoma City Police Headquarters, bringing a steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center to Oklahoma City and offering first responders and members of the community a rare opportunity to experience this sacred artifact firsthand. 

The morning began with a private ceremony at The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, where Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member and retired FDNY Lieutenant Jack Kielty and Scott Nokes, United States Marine Corps, laid a wreath in a solemn moment of reflection. They were joined by Memorial Museum President and CEO Kari Watkins, Battalion Chief Randy Cornelius, and Police Chief Ron C. Bacy, two men who themselves responded to the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995, as the group paused in silence to honor those who were killed by terrorism on American soil. 

Watkins offered remarks reflecting on April 19, 1995 and September 11, 2001, days where time stood still: “In the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, courageous New York first responders stood with us in our darkest hour. After 9/11, Oklahoma City responders returned that support. Our shared experiences revealed the best in people and forged a lasting bond between our cities.” 

The public ceremony at Oklahoma City Police Headquarters was hosted by Kielty, who welcomed guests and guided the proceedings. The program opened with a presentation of colors by the Oklahoma City Police Department Color Guard, followed by a performance of the national anthem. Kielty led the audience in a moment of silent reflection before delivering remarks on the meaning of Steel Across America and the beam’s significance as a physical embodiment of the nation’s promise to Never Forget. 

Nokes, a Tunnel to Towers Smart Home recipient, then addressed the crowd, sharing his personal story and offering a powerful firsthand reminder of the Foundation’s lasting impact. “Oklahoma City has known profound loss,” Nokes said. “On April 19, 1995, this community faced unimaginable horror and responded with extraordinary courage. First responders ran toward the devastation without hesitation, just as they did six years later on September 11th. Bringing this steel to Oklahoma City is our way of saying that what happened here, and what happened in New York, in Pennsylvania, and in Washington D.C., will never be forgotten, not by this Foundation, and not by this country.” 

Chief Bacy spoke to what it means to serve a city that has lived through tragedy and emerged stronger, reflecting on the weight of 1995 and the enduring responsibility it placed on every man and woman who wore a badge in this city. “The Oklahoma Standard wasn’t born out of tragedy—it was revealed through it,” Bacy said. “More than three decades later, it continues to define who we are as a city and how we care for one another.” 

As part of the proceedings, Kielty presented a commemorative steel flag to Oklahoma City’s Mayor David Holt and City Manager Craig Freeman in recognition of the city’s hospitality and dedication to honoring those 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, and is presented only to those who demonstrate honorable dedication to the work and mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

Battalion Chief Cornelius, who also responded to the Murrah Building bombing as a firefighter in 1995, closed with remarks that carried the full weight of lived experience. “This city has known loss,” he said. “And this city has known courage. We are honored to welcome this steel and this foundation to Oklahoma City.” The steel beam remained available for viewing and reflection throughout the afternoon as guests enjoyed a catered lunch by Grill Team Six 

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 Oklahoma City can be found here. 

On June 17^th, Steel Across America will make its next official stop at The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community outside of Scottsdale, Arizona.