President Trump on Tuesday posthumously presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Crowther, the equities trader and volunteer firefighter who perished on September 11, 2001, after helping others escape the World Trade Center's South Tower. The award was given to Crowther's mother and sister during a White House event honoring 9/11 victims alongside steelworkers.
The ceremony took place at the Ellipse, just south of the White House, as part of the 'Steel Across America' commemoration marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Crowther's mother, Allison, accepted the medal on behalf of her son, saying, "This means the world to me, my daughters, Paige and Honor, and our entire family. This will be treasured for generations to come."
Crowther, who was 24 at the time, worked on the 104th floor of the South Tower. He was known for wearing a red bandana, which he used to cover his mouth while guiding groups of people down the stairs to safety. He made multiple trips up the tower to assist others before the building collapsed, and his remains were later identified in 2002.
His family established the Red Bandana Project, a social and emotional learning curriculum that teaches students about courage and service, inspired by Crowther's actions. The program is used in schools across the country.
The event also featured a 16,900-pound steel beam recovered from the rubble at Ground Zero, which was brought to the White House by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The beam served as a stark reminder of the destruction and heroism of that day.
Trump is scheduled to mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks on Friday with remarks at the Pentagon. Meanwhile, Vice President Vance will travel to New York City to attend a memorial service at Ground Zero, where he will be joined by former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.
The posthumous honor places Crowther among a select group of Americans recognized for extraordinary contributions. The Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian award.
The award comes amid a politically charged week, as the administration continues to face scrutiny over its spending priorities. Some GOP strategists have warned that such choices could hurt the party's midterm prospects, a point echoed in recent analyses.
Still, the ceremony underscored a rare moment of bipartisan unity as the nation prepares to remember the lives lost on 9/11.
