Texarkana, Texas, recently welcomed a poignant piece of American history as Steel Across America brought a piece of steel from Ground Zero to the city. This initiative aims to connect communities across the nation by commemorating the sacrifice and service of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

A Journey of Remembrance

The steel, originating from the World Trade Center Towers, is touring 35 cities in 21 states. This journey serves as a tribute to the generations of Americans affected by the tragic events of 9/11. The tour is part of a broader effort to remember and honor the heroes who responded that day.

Among those heroes was New York City firefighter Stephen Stiller Sr., who was off-duty when the first tower was struck. Despite having just completed an overnight shift, he rushed back to his station and attempted to reach the World Trade Center. Unable to drive into Manhattan due to road closures, he parked his vehicle and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the South Tower, where he ultimately lost his life. His story is carried by his son, Stephen Stiller Jr., who accompanies the steel on its journey as part of the In the Line of Duty Tunnel to Towers program.

Honoring Sacrifice and Supporting Families

The Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Program, which Stephen Stiller Jr. manages, offers support to the families of 9/11 first responders who died in the line of duty. The program helps pay off mortgages and assists families dealing with 9/11-related illnesses. This initiative ensures that the sacrifices made by these heroes are not forgotten, providing tangible support to their loved ones.

After completing its U.S. tour, the piece of steel will return to Ground Zero for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, serving as a lasting symbol of resilience and unity. Those wishing to contribute to the foundation can find more information on social media or the T2T website.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.