World Trade Center Steel Arrives at West Point, Honoring 9/11 Legacy

A 21-foot steel beam from the South Tower of the World Trade Center arrived at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Tuesday. This beam serves as a tangible connection to the September 11 attacks and symbolizes the enduring legacy of those who have served. The 16,900-pound beam was brought to West Point as part of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America tour, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks. This stop marked the tour’s 33rd event.

Commemorative Ceremony

Lieutenant General James B. Bartholomees III, West Point Superintendent, highlighted the importance of the steel. He connected it to the courage displayed by first responders on 9/11 and honored the generations of American men and women who followed the call to serve.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this piece of steel reminds us of the courage of first responders like Stephen Siller and the countless Americans who answered the call, including generations of West Point graduates,

The ceremony included a color guard and a procession by members of the NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority Police Department. It featured the national anthem, an invocation, a blessing of the steel, and a moment of reflection with ‘Amazing Grace.’

Honoring a Hero

Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers and brother of fallen firefighter Stephen Siller, reflected on his brother’s actions on September 11. Stephen Siller ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel wearing 60 pounds of gear, heading toward the World Trade Center towers during the attacks.

Duty, Honor, Country: those values connect West Point cadets, Stephen, and first responders all across this country,

Frank Siller emphasized the ongoing commitment to ensuring the sacrifice of September 11 is never forgotten.

Symbol of Unity

Colonel Dan Steuwe of the U.S. Army shared a personal memory from his unit after 9/11. He recalled an image of a firefighter passing an American flag to a service member amid the rubble, representing unity in serving a greater purpose.

Kelly Heffner, a supporter of Tunnel to Towers, expressed the emotional impact of touching the beam, highlighting its powerful connection to the past.

The ceremony ended with a presentation of a commemorative steel flag, featuring New York City’s skyline and the Twin Towers, as a tribute to West Point’s commitment to the foundation’s mission.

Attendees were then invited to reflect beside the steel beam, continuing the tour’s mission of remembrance. The Steel Across America tour will proceed to the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Boston.