Steel Across America delivers piece of steel from 9/11 tower

TEXARKANA, Texas -- Steel Across America arrived in Texarkana on Wednesday, connecting the nation with a piece of steel coming from Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center Towers collapsed almost 25 years ago.

 

Thirty-five cities in 21 states were selected for a visit as a commemoration of sacrifice, service and connection to generations of Americans.

 

New York City firefighter Stephen Stiller Sr. was off-duty on Sept. 11, 2001 after working overnight. When he found out the first tower had been struck by a plane, he headed back to the Brooklyn Fire Station Squad One. 

 

His son, Stephen Stiller Jr., serves as In the Line of Duty Tunnel to Towers program manager and accompanied the piece of steel to Texarkana. 

 

"When he got to squad, he realized his unit had already responded. So, he grabbed his gear, threw it in his truck and he started to make his way to the World Trade Center," said Stiller Jr. "En route he was stopped, they had every entryway to Manhattan shut down, every vehicle was not getting in unless it was an emergency vehicle. So, he parked his car outside the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, grabbed his gear and ran into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, where he ultimately lost his life. His body was never recovered that day; him and about 1,000 other men and women. Who he is, is ingrained in this steel you see behind me. That's why we are traveling the country, telling his story in remembrance of that day." 

 

After the U.S. city tour, the piece of steel will be delivered back to Ground Zero for the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

 

The T2T Program helps the 9/11 first responders who died in the line of duty by helping to pay off their mortgage, helping their families cope with their loss and with 9/11-related illness.

 

Anyone wishing to contribute to the foundation can find them on social media at T2T or on their website.