Steel Beam Tour Honors 9/11 Anniversary Across America

A steel beam measuring 21 feet and weighing 16,900 pounds, recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center, arrived in Indianapolis as part of a national tour. This commemorates 25 years since the September 11 attacks. The tribute will conclude at Ground Zero.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation brought the ‘Steel Across America’ tour to the Indiana War Memorial and Museum, marking its 31st stop on August 19. The beam is journeying over 10,500 miles through 21 states and Washington, D.C., before reaching New York City for a commemoration on September 11.

The steel piece was recovered by first responders after the attacks and represents nearly 3,000 individuals—civilians, firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, and military personnel—who perished.

Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers, noted the emotional impact in a press release: “Communities have welcomed this sacred piece of American history with incredible emotion. Watching people stand in front of that steel, hugging it, praying over it, weeping, reminds me every single day of why we do this work.”

The Indianapolis ceremony featured a color guard, pipes and drums, the national anthem by the Voices of the Indianapolis Fire Department, and an invocation from Chaplain Mike Gatliff of the Indianapolis Fire Department. Indianapolis Fire Division Chief Tom Neal and Timothy Winslow, retired major general and executive director of the Indiana War Memorial and Museum, spoke about the legacy of 9/11 and the connection to local first responders and veterans.

FDNY Lt. Jack Kielty emphasized the significance of bringing the steel to Indianapolis and a museum standing as a tribute to American sacrifice: “Indiana veterans and first responders understand what it means to serve.” The event also recognized Indiana’s loss during the attacks. Nine Hoosiers perished, and Indianapolis Task Force One sent rescuers to Ground Zero, with six members later succumbing to illnesses from the toxic environment.

Marine Corps veteran and Tunnel to Towers recipient Scott Nokes addressed attendees, stressing the importance of seeing the steel firsthand. He shared, “Out of the 2,977 lives lost, over 1,000 bodies were never recovered specifically from Ground Zero. Their souls are in that steel, and if you touch it, you feel it.” The tour aims to connect younger generations with the events of 9/11, an event many were too young to experience or were not yet born.

The Indianapolis stop was followed by an appearance at the Cincinnati Fire Museum. Final stops include West Point, Boston, and Washington, D.C., before returning to New York City. Upon reaching New York City on September 11, Frank Siller and his family will carry the steel through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. They will retrace the route Stephen Siller undertook 25 years ago, carrying 60 pounds of gear toward the World Trade Center. The steel will accompany the procession but will not stop at the World Trade Center site.