WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Tuesday by honoring the victims and underscoring the nation's resilience. The ceremony took place at the Ellipse just outside the White House and featured a 21-foot steel beam weighing nearly 17,000 pounds recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center. This beam has been part of the Steel Across America tour, traveling across the country in remembrance, and is set to return to New York on Friday in a procession retracing the route of firefighter Stephen Siller, who perished in the attacks.
Trump’s remarks highlighted the enduring strength of the United States in the face of terrorism, describing the steel as symbolic of a nation that cannot be destroyed by fire, evil, or terror. He characterized the attacks as a pivotal moment in history that divides time into “before” and “after.” His speech also briefly touched on domestic politics, warning against what he characterized as a shift toward a “communistic way,” a reference to his criticism of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing.
During the event, Trump paid particular tribute to two men who died during the attacks: Jeffrey Palazzo, a New York City firefighter and Coast Guard reservist, and Welles Crowther, a volunteer firefighter remembered as “the man in the red bandanna” for rescuing multiple people on 9/11. Trump announced that a new US Coast Guard fast-response cutter would be commissioned in New York this weekend in Palazzo’s honor. Additionally, Crowther was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, which was accepted by his mother, Alison, and sister, Paige.
Trump also recounted his presence in New York in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, describing how two firefighters helped him to safety amid fears the nearby US Steel Building might collapse. The exact timing of this event was not specified during his remarks.
Among the attendees were several members of Congress, including Republican Representatives Mike Lawler of New York and Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania, whose district includes the site where Flight 93 crashed. Also present were approximately 150 first responders from New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who lost his younger brother and more than 650 employees of his financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald in the attacks, was commended by Trump for his leadership in rebuilding the company and supporting families affected by the tragedy.
Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and brother of firefighter Stephen Siller, emphasized the significance of the steel beam as a representation of American heroism demonstrated on that day. “The heroism that was exhibited that fateful day was nothing short of incredible,” Siller said.
The commemoration marked the beginning of a week of events honoring 9/11 victims, culminating with a series of ceremonies on Friday, including one at the Pentagon that the president is scheduled to attend.