On May 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America tour will make a special stop at Emma E. Booker Elementary School. The event is part of the foundation’s nationwide initiative commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
The ceremony will take place at the site where President George W. Bush first learned of, and publicly addressed, the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Steel Across America is a coast-to-coast journey featuring a 16,000-pound steel beam recovered from the original World Trade Center. The tour spans more than 10,500 miles with stops in 21 states and Washington, D.C., before returning to Ground Zero for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The public will have a rare opportunity to view this historic artifact firsthand and reflect on the lasting impact of that day.
The Sarasota event will bring together individuals who were present at Emma E. Booker Elementary School on September 11, 2001, alongside representatives from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Sarasota County Schools, local government officials, first responders, law enforcement personnel, and community members. Together, attendees will honor the lives lost, recognize the service and sacrifice of first responders and military personnel, and reflect on the resilience and unity that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation welcomes the Sarasota community to join in remembrance and pay tribute to the heroes of September 11, 2001, and those who continue to serve our nation each day.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Event Program:
The program will feature a formal ceremony centered on remembrance and reflection. Remarks will be offered by representatives of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Sarasota County Schools, and invited guests with historical and community connections to September 11, 2001. The ceremony will include the presentation of a steel beam from the World Trade Center’s South Tower and moments honoring the victims, first responders, and service members affected by the events of September 11, 2001.
Event Parking:
Due to parking capacity constraints, guest parking will be in the East Lot at Ed Smith Stadium, located at 2700 12th St, Sarasota, FL 34237. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from the event. Shuttles will begin running at 4:30 PM and guest entry at the site will begin shortly thereafter.
Arrival & Entry:
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking, shuttle transportation, and security screening. Entry gates at Emma E. Booker Elementary School will open to the public beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m. The formal program will begin at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Event Security:
All guests utilizing the complimentary shuttle service will be screened using walk-through metal detectors at Ed Smith Stadium, prior to boarding the shuttle. Additional security checkpoints will be placed on site at Emma E. Booker Elementary as guests arrive. All guests must pass through the metal detector prior to entering the school. For the safety of all attendees, weapons, signs, placards, banners, flags, poles, and other similar items are strictly prohibited. All bags and personal items are subject to inspection prior to entry.
Media & Photography:
This event will be photographed and recorded. By attending, guests acknowledge that their image or likeness may appear in photographs or video recordings used for educational or informational purposes.
Food & Refreshments:
Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided after the event by Mission BBQ and Grill Team Six, a volunteer group of FDNY firefighters dedicated to supporting Tunnel to Towers events.