The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, alongside family members, recently retraced the final journey of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The walk through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel marked the culmination of the foundation's "Steel Across America" tour. This initiative involved transporting a steel beam from the World Trade Center across the United States for more than four months.
The tour covered over 10,500 miles, making stops in nearly 40 locations across more than 21 states. The steel beam served as a focal point for communities to remember the events of 9/11, honor first responders and veterans, and educate younger generations about the significance of that day.
Stephen Siller, a husband and father, was on his way to play golf with his brothers after completing an overnight shift with the New York City Fire Department when he heard about the World Trade Center attacks. According to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, he turned his car around and headed toward Manhattan. Upon finding that his unit had already responded and the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel was closed to traffic, Siller strapped approximately 60 pounds of firefighting gear to his back and ran through the tunnel on foot towards the Twin Towers. He did not survive.
Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Stephen Siller's brother, participated in the commemorative walk. Stephen Siller Jr., who was 9 months old when his father died, also took part in the event. He expressed gratitude for the foundation's work, stating that it has provided his family with a way to keep his father's memory alive through daily events and by helping others in his name.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in honor of Stephen Siller's sacrifice, focuses on supporting families of fallen heroes. The organization provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and first responder families with young children. Additionally, it constructs specially adapted smart homes for severely injured veterans and first responders. The foundation also offers scholarships for undergraduate degrees and trade programs to the children of its home recipients and works to combat veteran homelessness, all with the aim of ensuring that September 11, 2001, is never forgotten.