Honoring heroes: 9/11 Never Forget exhibit in Opelika this week

OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – For the first time, the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit will make a stop in Alabama, coming to Opelika September 10–16. The traveling memorial, developed by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honors the lives lost and the heroism displayed on September 11, 2001.

Hosted by the East Alabama Regional Training Association, the exhibit will be housed at Southern Union State Community College, 301 Lake Condy Road in Opelika. The 83-foot tractor-trailer transforms into a 1,100-square-foot mobile museum featuring artifacts, interactive displays, and guided tours led by 9/11 first responders.

The exhibit will arrive on Wednesday, September 10, escorted into Opelika by police and fire personnel. The public is encouraged to gather at Southern Union to witness the emotional entrance.

On Thursday, September 11, a VIP ceremony will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Local and regional dignitaries, along with first responders, will deliver remarks before a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11.

“This is more than an exhibit — it’s a national memorial on wheels,” said Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd. “We are honored to host this tribute and bring it to the people of Alabama, especially on such a meaningful date.”

Public Hours & Student Tours

The exhibit will be open to the public on:

• Sept. 11, 13, 14 → 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sept. 15 & 16 → 3 – 6 p.m.

Student tours are scheduled for September 12, 15, and 16.

Local Connection: The Merchants’ Story

The week also brings a personal story of resilience and gratitude. Sunel Merchant, who was on the 49th floor of one of the Twin Towers when it was struck, and his wife Sonia, moved their family to Alabama after 9/11. The couple opened Philly Connection in Auburn, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

As an annual act of thanks, the Merchants provide free meals to public safety personnel every 9/11. This year, meals will be available from their food truck parked at Southern Union alongside the Never Forget Exhibit and at their South College Avenue storefront.

Community members are encouraged to stop by and support the Merchants’ tribute while visiting the exhibit.