Steel beam to retrace fallen firefighter’s route in New York
WASHINGTON — The Tunnel to Towers Foundation organized a Tuesday ceremony at the Ellipse just outside the White House to honor victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The event showcased a 21-foot, nearly 17,000-pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York.
President Donald Trump spoke at the ceremony, pledging to “never forget” a day “etched forever into the memories of Americans.” The beam had traveled for months across the country as part of the foundation’s Steel Across America tour before arriving at the Ellipse.
Trump’s appearance launched a week of Sept. 11 commemorations that will culminate in several events on Friday, including one at the Pentagon that the president will attend.
The steel beam is set to make its way through New York on Friday in a procession that retraces the steps of fallen New York City firefighter Stephen Siller.
The event comes nearly a quarter century after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.