Steel beam from World Trade Center makes stop in San Francisco ahead of 9/11 25th anniversary

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A steel beam recovered from the original World Trade Center stopped in San Francisco on Friday as part of a cross-country tour commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The exhibit, called Steel Across America, features a 16,000-pound steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center site. The beam traveled from Santa Rosa to San Francisco, where city and fire officials gathered for a special ceremony.

A California Highway Patrol and police escort accompanied the beam as it traveled across the Bay Area on Friday morning.

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Battalion Chief Paul Ricci of the Santa Rosa Fire Department said the artifact carries deep meaning for firefighters and others who remember the attacks.

"I started in 2000, working in Santa Rosa. I was working that day when the World Trade Center fell. And it had a profound impact on us, as a nation. And particularly us in the fire service. We lost 343 our brothers and sisters that day," Ricci said.

Ricci said seeing the beam firsthand remained an emotional experience.

"Seeing an artifact from that day, it never lost its impact. Opening it up and seeing it this morning still takes my breath away," he said.

According to organizers, Steel Across America is a 10,000-mile journey through 35 cities in 21 states to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11. San Francisco is one of the tour's scheduled stops.

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The effort is organized by Tunnel to Towers, which was started in honor of Stephen Siller, a firefighter who died on Sept. 11.

Chad Hedge of Tunnel to Towers said the exhibit resonates with people across the country.

"No matter where they go, what state they go to, everybody remembers what they were doing on 911. And looking at that beam, it took me right back to that morning," Hedge said.

He said the tour helps keep attention on the victims and families affected by the attacks.

"Seeing the opportunity to support something like this, and bring attention to, not only 911, but families, to this day, who are impacted, as foundation recipients, I think it's a HIGE thing we can do for our community," Hedge said.

After its stop in San Francisco, the beam will travel to Seattle before returning to New York City, organizers said.