WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump will host FDNY first responders and officials at the White House on Tuesday, honoring them ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said Trump “will stand with first responders to renew our sacred vow that we will never forget — and that the United States of America will always defend our proud, free nation with unyielding resolve.”
The event will also feature a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center’s South Tower, displayed on the White House Ellipse.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will bring the 16,900-pound beam to Washington as part of its Steel Across America initiative. The 10,500-mile journey began in May and is scheduled to return the artifact to Ground Zero on Sept. 11 after stops in more than 20 states.
Tunnel to Towers was established in honor of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who was killed while responding to the attacks. The foundation said the tour is intended to create “moments of connection” for those who lived through 9/11 and educational opportunities for younger generations.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks, including 343 FDNY firefighters.