The Alabama Fire College is honored to stand alongside the East Alabama Regional Training Association (EARTA) as a proud sponsor of a historic and powerful event coming to our state for the very first time: — the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit.
This nationally touring tribute will be making its first-ever stop in Alabama, in Opelika on the grounds of Southern Union State Community College, coinciding with the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. As an institution dedicated to training and preparing Alabama’s firefighters and emergency responders, we believe it’s vital that we not only remember the sacrifices made on that day, but also educate and inspire future generations about the heroism, resilience, and unity that 9/11 represents. Learn more
🚒 An Experience Every Firefighter, Student, and Citizen Should See
This is more than an exhibit — it’s an emotional journey through one of the most pivotal days in our nation’s history. Housed in an 83-foot tractor-trailer that transforms into a 1,100-square-foot mobile museum, the NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit features:
- Authentic artifacts from Ground Zero, including steel beams from the World Trade Center.
- Immersive media, including video and audio from 9/11 emergency dispatchers.
- Personal tours led by retired FDNY firefighters who served at Ground Zero and lived the story they now share.
🗓 Event Schedule & Details (Central Time):
📍 Southern Union State Community College, Opelika Campus
- Thursday, Sept. 11
- Private ceremony: 9-11am
- Open to the public: 11am-7pm
- Friday, September 12: Closed for school groups
- Saturday, Sept. 13 – Sunday, Sept. 14
- Open to the public: 11am-7pm
- Monday, Sept. 15 – Tuesday, Sept. 16
- Closed for school groups: 9am to 2pm
- Open to the Public: 3pm – 6pm
Admission is FREE.
No weapons, food, or drinks allowed in the exhibit.
The last tour begins 30 minutes before closing each day.
Parking Info: Parking is available via West Point Parkway or Lake Condy Road, with overflow available east of the CIM building. Signage will direct you upon arrival.
We encourage all Alabama fire service members, students, families, and community members to attend this remarkable event. It’s a unique opportunity to reflect, learn, and pay tribute to the brave souls who exemplified what it means to serve. Learn more at: T2T.org
At the Alabama Fire College, our mission is to prepare, support, and protect Alabama’s fire and emergency service professionals. Supporting events like the NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit is part of that mission — honoring our past while shaping the future of emergency services.
We commend EARTA for raising over $40,000 to bring this exhibit to Alabama and salute LaFayette Fire Chief Jim Doody for his dedication in making this vision a reality.
About Tunnel to Towers Foundation:
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, created in memory of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and builds smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans. Their 9/11 Institute™ and NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit serve to educate, engage, and ensure we #NeverForget the legacy of those we lost. Learn more