A beam from the World Trade Center is making its way from New York City to Fort Collins, Colorado.

SOUTH BEND — A 3,000 pound piece of U.S. history traveled through South Bend on Thursday evening.

A beam from the World Trade Center is making its way from New York City to Fort Collins, Colorado.

Four Pourdre Fire Authority firefighters involved in Sept. 11, 2001, rescue efforts are accompanying the beam across the country.

On Thursday afternoon, members of the South Bend Fire Department joined Indiana State Police to welcome the beam into the city.

Bryan Hanson, a firefighter and commander at Poudre Fire Authority, said, “After having worked on the pile — when we were told we were awarded this piece of steel — they sent us a picture of what it would look like. When we got there, it was breathtaking and overwhelming to have such a piece that we’re going to take back to our community and put on display as a memorial.”

The beam will reside at one of the Poudre Fire Authority’s fire stations to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, including 343 New York City firefighters.

Source: WNDU