Tunnel to Towers Tour Arrives in Boston
The Tunnel to Towers Steel Across America tour made a stop at Fenway Park on Wednesday night, allowing Red Sox fans to view a significant piece of history—a preserved section of the World Trade Center. This 21-foot steel beam, taken from the South Tower, has been traveling across the country since May and is expected to conclude its journey in New York City shortly after September 11.
David Littlefield, a vendor at Fenway, shared his emotional response to the display, saying, “It brings up a lot of memories, and honestly, reading that and talking to the firemen over there, it can give me chills. It gives me chills.” He further described the experience as both “gut-wrenching and heartbreaking,” noting that his wife lost a roommate in the tragedy.
Another attendee, who worked for American Airlines for three decades, remarked, “It hits home. I worked flight 11 and flight 77 many times,” emphasizing the personal impact of 9/11.
The display will now be showcased at the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial. Following that, the 16,900-pound beam is heading to Washington, D.C., for a private event, before making its way to a private event in Brooklyn on September 11. It will wrap up with a final appearance at the New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys game at MetLife Stadium on September 13.
Earlier, the beam visited the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where Lt. Gen. James B. Bartholomees III mentioned how the steel symbolizes the bravery exhibited by first responders on that fateful day, connecting it to the service of Americans in the years that followed. “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,” he stated.
The ceremony at West Point included cadets, faculty, and guests, featuring a color guard, a pipe and drum procession by members of the NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority Police Department. It also included the national anthem, a blessing of the steel, and a reflective moment accompanied by “Amazing Grace.”
