Trump Commemorates 9/11 Victims at the Ellipse

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly a quarter century after the September 11, 2001, attacks, President Donald Trump honored the victims on Tuesday by vowing to "never forget." The event at the Ellipse was organized by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and featured a 21-foot, nearly 17,000-pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York, which has traveled across the country as part of the Steel Across America tour. The steel beam will be part of a procession in New York on Friday, retracing the steps of fallen New York City firefighter Stephen Siller. Trump's presence at the event marked the beginning of a week of commemorations culminating in several events on Friday, including one at the Pentagon that Trump will attend. "This battered piece of steel here today on the Ellipse is a reminder that America is blessed with a strength no fire can consume, no evil can conquer and no terror can destroy," Trump stated. He remarked that the September 11 attacks were a significant moment in history that "divide time into really what came before" and after. Trump's remarks included a political note, warning of a shift towards a "communistic way," referencing his criticisms of Democrats as democratic socialists gain influence. During his speech, Trump paid tribute to two individuals who died in the attacks: Jeffrey Palazzo, a New York City firefighter, and Welles Crowther, known as the "man in the red bandanna" for rescuing people during the attacks. Trump announced that the U.S. Coast Guard will commission a new fast-response cutter in New York this weekend in honor of Palazzo, who was a Coast Guard reservist. He also recognized Crowther by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, accepted by Crowther's mother, Alison, and sister, Paige. Trump recalled being near the site after the attacks and described an experience of being helped by firefighters. In attendance were several Cabinet officials and members of Congress, including Republican Reps. Mike Lawler of New York and Dan Meuser, whose district is near Shanksville, where Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001. Trump praised Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who lost his younger brother and over 650 employees in the attacks, for rebuilding Cantor Fitzgerald and supporting the families of victims. Approximately 150 first responders from New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania attended the event. Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, stated, "This steel beam represents the best of our country. It’s important to recognize that the heroism that was exhibited that fateful day was nothing short of incredible."