An 8-ton steel beam from the South Tower of the World Trade Center will be on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley from July 2nd to the 6th.
It’s part of the Steel Across America Tour. The tour, sponsored by a truck from Tunnels to Towers Foundation, is visiting 21 states and 35 cities with an authentic relic to provide connection and educational moments, according to its site.
The beam arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Los Angeles Fire Department held a ceremony at Elysian Park, where the beam and a 9/11 memorial display were set up.
John LaBarbera, a retired New York City firefighter and Tunnel to Towers executive board member, told KNX News’ Pete Demetriou that the display was a thanks to L.A. first responders who came to NYC after 9/11.
“During the rescue and recovery operation at Ground Zero, you enabled us to attend to our fallen families and to attend the funerals that lasted for months,” said LaBarbera. “We are eternally grateful.”
This display also acts as a reminder for people like Stephen Siller Jr., whose father was one of the NYC firefighters lost when the towers collapsed and was never found.
“Who he is is ingrained in that steel for us to travel with it, share his story; you can feel his spirit when you walk up to it, and you can feel the spirit of all those lost that day,” said Siller Jr.
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