21-foot steel beam from World Trade Center “symbolizes the resolve America has demonstrated in the aftermath of those attacks,” American Legion national commander says.
American Legion National Commander Jay Bowen was among the invited guests to a special 9/11 ceremony Sept. 8 in Washington, D.C.
Bowen was among dignitaries who attended a Steel Across America ceremony where a 21-foot, 16,900-pound steel beam from the World Trade Center came to rest on the Ellipse, with the White House behind it, three days before the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“It was an honor to be included in today’s ceremony,” Bowen said. “As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about that day — the heroes, those we lost and of course all of our servicemembers and their families who sacrificed in the wars that followed. I’ve also been thinking about the resolve, patriotism and determination Americans showed in that difficult time. That beam from the twin towers symbolizes the resolve America has demonstrated in the aftermath of those attacks.”
Steel Across America launched May 2, near ground zero in Lower Manhattan, on a nationwide tour that created moments of connection for those who lived through 9/11 and educational opportunities for those too young to remember. More than 10,500 miles and 21 states later, the steel beam now heads back to New York City for a remembrance ceremony on 9/11.
The event in Washington included remarks from President Trump and Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller, as well as an honor guard from the Fire Department of New York, the United States Marine Band and more.
Siller created the nonprofit Tunnel to Towers Foundation to memorialize his brother, New York firefighter Stephen Siller, who died on 9/11, and honor the sacrifices of first responders, military members and their families.
“This steel beam represents the best of our country,” Siller said at Tuesday’s event. “It is how we honor the sacrifice that was made.”
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