WASHINGTON — Nearly a quarter-century after the terrorist attacks, President Donald Trump honored the victims of September 11, 2001, on Tuesday at an event at the Ellipse, just outside the White House. The ceremony, organized by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, featured the display of a massive 21-foot, approximately 17,000-pound steel I-beam salvaged from the South Tower of the World Trade Center. The artifact has been touring the nation as part of the “Steel Across America” exhibit.
Trump declared that the day remains “etched forever into the memories of Americans” and pledged to “never forget.” Describing the moment as one of the rare historical events that divided time into what came before and after, he said the battered steel beam served as proof that America possesses a strength no fire, evil, or terror can destroy.
The President’s appearance at the Ellipse marked the beginning of a week of commemorations, which will reach its peak on Friday with events at the Pentagon and a procession in New York City. The upcoming parade will retrace the route taken by fallen firefighter Stephen Siller, who famously ran from Manhattan to the World Trade Center site to join the rescue effort.
During his address, Trump paid tribute to Jeffrey Palazzo, a New York City firefighter and Coast Guard reservist, and Welles Crowther, a young equities trader recognized for saving lives while wearing a signature red bandanna. The Coast Guard announced it would commission a new fast-response cutter in New York this weekend in Palazzo’s honor.
In a significant gesture, Trump posthumously awarded Crowther the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Crowther’s mother, Alison, and sister, Paige, accepted the decoration. Crowther, who also volunteered as a firefighter, was praised for his heroism during the attacks.
While primarily focused on remembrance, the President’s remarks briefly touched on domestic politics, warning against a “communistic way” in a reference to rising democratic socialist influence within the Democratic Party.
Also recognized during the event was Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who lost his brother Gary and more than 650 employees at Cantor Fitzgerald when the company’s offices were destroyed in the attacks. Trump praised Lutnick for rebuilding the firm and donating profits to affected families, stating, “He’s done an amazing job.”
Attendees included Cabinet members, Congresswomen Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, and Rep. Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania, whose district is near the Shanksville crash site of United Flight 93. Approximately 150 first responders from New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania were also present.
“This steel beam represents the best of our country,” said Frank Siller, CEO and chairman of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and brother of Stephen Siller, noting that the heroism displayed on September 11 was “nothing short of incredible.”
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