Trump Commemorates 9/11 Victims, Vows "Never Forget"

President Donald Trump honored the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks on Tuesday, vowing to "never forget" the events that "etched forever into the memories of Americans." The commemoration took place at the Ellipse, an event spearheaded by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. A central feature of the ceremony was a 21-foot, nearly 17,000-pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. This beam has been traveling across the country for months as part of the Steel Across America tour. On Friday, the steel beam will be part of a procession in New York, retracing the steps of fallen New York City firefighter Stephen Siller. Trump's attendance on Tuesday, held just outside the White House, marked the beginning of a week of commemorations that will conclude with several events on Friday, including one at the Pentagon, which Trump is also scheduled to attend. During his remarks, Trump described the recovered steel beam as a "reminder that America is blessed with a strength no fire can consume, no evil can conquer and no terror can destroy." He also noted that the Sept. 11 attacks represent a significant historical division, separating time into "what came before" and what came after. Trump's speech briefly touched on political themes, warning against a "communistic way," which he linked to his criticisms of Democrats and the growing influence of democratic socialists within the party. The President specifically paid tribute to two individuals who perished in the attacks: Jeffrey Palazzo, a New York City firefighter and Coast Guard reservist, and Welles Crowther, an equities trader known as the "man in the red bandanna" for his rescue efforts. Trump announced that the U.S. Coast Guard will commission a new fast-response cutter this weekend in New York in honor of Palazzo, who was part of Staten Island’s Rescue Squad 5 and responded to the attacks 25 years ago. Additionally, Trump recognized Crowther, who was also a volunteer firefighter, by awarding him a posthumous honor. The Steel Across America tour aims to bring pieces of the World Trade Center to communities across the nation, serving as a tangible reminder of the tragedy and the resilience of the American spirit. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in honor of firefighter Stephen Siller who died on 9/11, is dedicated to supporting first responders and military personnel and their families. The upcoming events on Friday are expected to draw significant attention as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the attacks, a milestone that underscores the enduring impact of the events of September 11, 2001.