A steel beam recovered from the rubble of the World Trade Center arrived at the Utah State Capitol on July 23, serving as a centerpiece for a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The visit marks the 25th stop of a nationwide tour designed to honor first responders and victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Ceremony at the State Capitol
The ceremony at the Utah State Capitol was led by Jack Kielty, a retired FDNY Lieutenant and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Board Member, who guided the formal proceedings. The program featured a Color Guard and a procession of Pipes and Drums, followed by the national anthem performed by Ross Graham and Triest Graham. Reverend John S. Evans provided the invocation and a blessing for the steel artifact.
During the event, Sheriff Rosie Rivera addressed the crowd, discussing the significance of welcoming the steel to Salt Lake City and reaffirming a commitment to ensure the events of September 11 do not fade from public memory. Major George Hansen of the Utah State Highway Patrol also spoke, honoring the first responders who died on 9/11 and acknowledging the local men and women serving in Salt Lake City.
As part of the memorial proceedings, Stephen Siller Jr., the son of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, presented a custom-built commemorative steel flag to Sheriff Rivera. The flag features an image of the New York City skyline with the Twin Towers and incorporates original World Trade Center steel. According to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, such tributes are reserved for those who demonstrate an honorable dedication to the foundation's mission.
Mission and Symbolism
The tour, titled 'Steel Across America,' is a nationwide effort by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The foundation's chairman and CEO, Frank Siller, stated that the steel beam represents the best qualities of the country and serves as a symbol to bring communities together to remember fallen heroes, support those suffering from 9/11-related illnesses, and honor those who continue to protect and serve.
The beam is an everlasting reminder of the selfless courage shown by first responders, including New York City firefighter Stephen Siller, who died during the attacks. The steel was recovered from Ground Zero in the days following the tragedy by thousands of first responders. The foundation's mission is driven by Siller's legacy, and the organization works to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, as well as specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
The Nationwide Tour Route
The nationwide tour is scheduled to travel more than 10,500 miles across the country. The tour launched on May 2, 2026, near Ground Zero and is expected to include over 35 stops across 21 states and Washington, D.C. The journey will conclude when the steel beam returns to Ground Zero on September 11 for the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Following the stop in Salt Lake City, the tour is scheduled to visit Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota, on July 28. The tour route includes various significant locations, such as the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, the National WWI Museum & Memorial in Kansas City, and the Space Center Houston in Texas.
Legacy and Community Impact
At public tour stops, visitors have the opportunity to view the steel beam up close and engage with the 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit. This exhibit provides educational programming and allows the public to meet individuals with firsthand connections to the September 11 attacks.
In addition to its commemorative efforts, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation provides various support services, including full undergraduate and trade school scholarships for the children of its home recipients. The foundation also focuses on efforts to eradicate veteran homelessness.
