The Tunnel to Towers Foundation and CEO Frank Siller, along with his nephew Stephen Siller Jr., honored September 11 heroes by bringing a World Trade Center steel beam back to Ground Zero. This tribute retraced firefighter Stephen Siller’s final journey through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel.
The Foundation commemorated Stephen Siller, who was a committed firefighter and family man. After hearing about the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, he equipped himself with firefighting gear and ran through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to reach the Twin Towers, losing his life in the effort.
The charity emphasized that Stephen’s legacy and sacrifice, along with many others, should never be forgotten. They transported a steel beam from one of the Twin Towers across the United States for months with the “Steel Across America” tour. This effort culminated in the family’s path through the tunnel.
The steel beam was a focal point for various communities to gather and reflect on the significance of the September 11 attacks. It traveled over 10,500 miles, making nearly 40 stops across more than 21 states. It served to honor first responders, veterans, and to educate newer generations about the events that unfolded 25 years ago.
Stephen Siller Jr., only 9 months old when his father died, expressed during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” that the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has significantly helped his family to preserve his father’s memory. The Foundation conducts numerous events in his father’s name, continually assisting others.
Frank Siller recounted how Stephen responded to the 9/11 attacks after completing an overnight shift. Initially heading to play golf with family, Stephen turned around upon hearing of the attacks. He ran with 60 pounds of firefighting equipment through the tunnel toward the Twin Towers, never to return home.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was founded to honor Stephen Siller and his brave actions during the 9/11 tragedy. The Foundation’s mission is rooted in “doing good,” providing mortgage-free homes to families of Gold Star and fallen first responders with young children. Additionally, it constructs specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans and first responders.
The organization’s initiatives include offering full scholarships for undergraduate degrees and accredited trade school programs to children of home recipients. They address veteran homelessness and ensure that the events of September 11, 2001, are remembered through their outreach efforts.
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