Full Breakdown
Traveling Steel Beam Honors 9/11 Across the United States
8/19/2026, 11:03:39 PM
Core Event: Nationwide Tour of a South Tower Beam
A 16,900-pound, 21-foot steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center began a 10,500-mile road trip on May 2, departing from Lower Manhattan. The beam will travel through more than 20 states, stopping at venues such as museums, town squares, sporting events, the White House, and Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida, before reaching its final display at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and returning to Ground Zero on the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Background & Context
The tour is organized by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Frank Siller in memory of his brother, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who died responding to the attacks. The organization’s mission is to preserve the memory of 9/11 for future generations and to support first-responders and veterans.
Data & Statistics
- Beam weight: 16,900 lb
- Beam length: 21 ft
- Planned route distance: 10,500 mi
- States visited: over 20, including California, Arizona, Washington, D.C., Texas, and New Jersey
- Key stops: museums, town squares, sporting events, the White House, MetLife Stadium, and the original site at Ground Zero
Official Statements & Responses
He described the initiative as a promise to bring a “sacred piece of history” to every corner of the country, honoring civilians, first responders, and service members who died on 9/11 and in the years that followed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This tour is about ensuring that every generation can remember, and truly understand, what happened 25 years ago,” — The Tunnel
- “Steel Across America is our promise to bring this sacred piece of history to every corner of this country – honoring the civilians, first responders, and service members who gave their lives on 9/11 and in the years that followed,” — Frank Siller, chairman and CEO
