On Sunday, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation hosted its 5K Run and Walk in honor of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller in which participants retraced the steps he took through the Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. According to Spectrum News NY 1, this is the 21st year the event has been held, reminding everyone of the brave heroes who ran towards the Twin Towers on that day, saving lives while sacrificing their own. Frank Siller, CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, shared that all who come out to participate in the 5K or show support are joining their important mission to honor and remember America’s heroes.
What started in 2002 with 1,500 participants has grown to 30,000 this year. According to Spectrum News NY 1, many of the attendees at the 5K were family members who lost a loved one on September 11, 2001 and found support through the nonprofit. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is dedicated to supporting the families of fallen and wounded first responders and veterans by providing them with mortgage-free homes. Since its inception, Tunnel to Towers has raised more than $250 million and provided more than 450 homes to families.
According to Spectrum News NY 1, some firefighters ran the 5K with their gear on including Antoine Morales who shared that the journey was tough, especially making it through the incline in the tunnel. Morales shared that thinking about the firefighters who took those same steps rushing to the Twin Towers gave him that “extra push” to keep going.
Honoring the heroes who ran to the Twin Towers on September 11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is reminding all New Yorkers and Americans of the sacrifices our heroes make running into danger to get others out. Those participating in the 5K and those supporting the organization are ensuring that our heroes are never forgotten and always remembered for their courage, perseverance, and determination to overcome every obstacle on their mission to rescue and save lives no matter how dangerous the task is ahead of them.