NEVER FORGET: Tunnel to Towers launches ‘STEEL ACROSS AMERICA’ tribute tour

Key Concepts

• Tunnel to Towers Steel Across America Tour: A national initiative transporting a 16,900-pound steel beam from the World Trade Center South Tower to historic sites across the U.S.
• Flight 93: The hijacked plane that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on 9/11, where passengers fought back against terrorists.
• 9/11 Commemoration: Efforts to preserve the memory of the September 11 attacks for younger generations.
• Philanthropic Impact: The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission to provide financial support to those in need, specifically first responders and military families.

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The Steel Across America Tour

The "Steel Across America" tour, led by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, officially launched this past Saturday. The centerpiece of the tour is a 26-foot-long, 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center. The tour aims to serve as a mobile memorial, traveling to various historic locations across the United States to ensure that the events of September 11, 2001, remain in the public consciousness.

Historical Significance and Locations

Frank Siller, Chair and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, emphasized the importance of specific sites in the tour’s itinerary:

• Shanksville, Pennsylvania: The tour began here to honor the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93. Siller describes this as the "first battle of the War on Terror," noting that the passengers' actions prevented further loss of life that could have reached into the hundreds or thousands.
• The Susan B. Booker School (Florida): A planned stop to educate students about the timeline of the attacks, specifically referencing the moment Andy Card informed President George W. Bush of the first plane strike.
• USS Midway: A future stop intended to connect the heroism of 9/11 with the broader history of American military sacrifice in World War II.

Mission and Objectives

The primary goal of the tour is educational outreach, specifically targeting young families. Siller stresses the necessity of teaching the next generation about the events of 25 years ago. By physically bringing a piece of the World Trade Center to communities, the foundation aims to create a tangible connection to the history of the day.

Philanthropic Framework

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is recognized for its high efficiency in fundraising. The organization focuses on directing donations directly to those in need, including:

• First responders who were involved in the initial response to the 9/11 attacks.
• Military families and others who have sacrificed for the country.
• Host communities, such as the Shanksville Fire Department and local police, who have collaborated to facilitate the tour’s logistics and memorial events.

Notable Statements

• Frank Siller on the Flight 93 heroes: "That’s the first battle of the War on Terror and we won even though we lost one of the great heroes that day; it would have taken hundreds if not thousands [more lives]."
• Frank Siller on the tour's purpose: "We’ve got to make sure people don’t forget what happened 25 years ago and we do that by bringing this piece of steel... and has the soul of many people who perished on that day."
• Stuart (Host) on the Foundation: "I think you are the most effective fundraiser for a very noble cause and all the money goes right to the people who need it."

Conclusion

The "Steel Across America" tour serves as both a historical preservation project and a fundraising vehicle. By utilizing a physical artifact from the South Tower, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation seeks to bridge the gap between the events of 9/11 and younger generations, while simultaneously raising funds to support the families of first responders and military personnel. The tour’s methodology relies on community partnerships and the strategic selection of sites that symbolize American resilience and sacrifice.