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The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is transporting a steel beam recovered from the South Tower on the final stretch of a 10,500-mile journey across America, bringing a piece of Ground Zero to communities across the nation in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks as the 25th anniversary approaches.
“This tour is about ensuring that every generation can remember, and truly understand, what happened 25 years ago,” said Tunnel to Towers Foundation chairman and CEO Frank Siller said in a press release of the campaign.
The 16,900-pound, 21-foot steel beam from the South Tower will travel to over 20 different states with events featuring appearances from local officials, first responders and members of the foundation. The steel beam serves as a traveling memorial to the victims and first responders of 9/11.
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“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,” Siller added. “No one, regardless of their age or, where they live, should ever forget what happened here or the bravery that was shown by so many heroes.”
Siller founded the organization in honor of his brother, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who died responding to the attacks.
The truck hit the road on May 2, beginning its journey in Lower Manhattan. It will travel across nearly half the country, making stops in places like California, Arizona, Washington, D.C., and Texas before reaching its final destination at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The beam will be on display at museums, town squares, sporting events and the White House before returning to Ground Zero on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
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One stop was Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida, where President George W. Bush was informed that America was under attack on Sept. 11, 2001.
Former White House chief of staff Andy Card, who whispered to Bush, “A second plane hit the second tower, America is under attack,” was at the school for the truck’s visit in May.
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Tunnel to Towers has provided mortgage-free homes to families of fallen service members and first responders while also working to combat veteran homelessness.
The foundation is honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on 9/11 by delivering 343 mortgage-free homes this year.