A powerful piece of American history is coming to Baton Rouge.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will bring its Steel Across America Tour to LSU Memorial Hall on Thursday, May 28 at 11 a.m. The event will give the public a chance to see a steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
A Mission Built on Service
During an interview on Talk 107.3, Tunnel to Towers representative Larry Olson explained the foundation’s mission. He said the organization started after the attacks on September 11, 2001 and has since grown to support military families and first responders.
Today, the foundation provides mortgage-free homes for Gold Star families, fallen first responder families, and smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
The organization takes its name from Stephen Siller, an FDNY firefighter who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in full gear after the attacks began. He died while trying to save others. Olson said Siller’s courage still drives the foundation’s work today.
What to Expect at LSU
The LSU stop will feature more than the steel beam. Olson said the event will also include the 9/11 mobile exhibit, a traveling museum that helps tell the story of that day. Retired FDNY firefighters will lead tours for visitors.
FDNY firefighters will also grill and barbecue during the event. Olson said families are encouraged to attend.
He also noted Tunnel to Towers has helped more than 20 families in Louisiana. That includes five smart homes, three Gold Star families, and more than 10 fallen first responder families.
The stop at LSU will serve as both a tribute and a reminder of sacrifice, service, and patriotism.