World Trade Center Steel Beam Honored at West Point Ceremony

A significant artifact from the South Tower of the World Trade Center, a 21-foot steel beam, reached the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Tuesday. This event signifies a poignant connection to the Sept. 11 attacks and honors the institution’s role in training Army officers who have served in subsequent conflicts.

The beam, weighing 16,900 pounds, arrived at West Point as part of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America tour, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The ceremony marked the tour’s 33rd stop, bringing together cadets, faculty, staff, and guests for a moment of reflection.

“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 in the years that followed, including generations of West Point graduates,” said Lt. Gen. James B. Bartholomees III, Superintendent of West Point.

The ceremony included a procession by members of the NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority Police Department, with the national anthem, an invocation, and a moment of reflection accompanied by “Amazing Grace.”

Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers and the brother of Stephen Siller, a fallen FDNY firefighter, reflected on his brother’s heroism on Sept. 11. Stephen, not on duty, ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with 60 pounds of gear toward the collapsing towers, where he ultimately lost his life.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, created in Stephen’s memory, provides mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families with young children. It also builds specially adapted smart homes for injured veterans and first responders and addresses veteran homelessness.

Col. Dan Steuwe of the U.S. Army shared an image poignant to many soldiers after 9/11, depicting unity between first responders and service members. The image of a firefighter handing off the American flag to a service member symbolized a joint commitment to the nation.

Kelly Heffner, attending the event, spoke about the emotional connection to the beam, stating, “To touch that beam, there’s an energy with it, and you can never forget.”

The ceremony concluded with Lt. Gen. Bartholomees and Frank Siller receiving a commemorative steel flag featuring the New York City skyline and Twin Towers silhouette. Attendees then spent time reflecting beside the steel beam.

The tour continues to honor and remember those who served and sacrificed during and after the 9/11 attacks.