On one of the darkest days in American history, New York City firefighter Stephen Siller made the ultimate sacrifice. He strapped on his gear and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to reach the collapsing Twin Towers during the September 11, 2001 attacks. His bravery inspired the creation of Tunnel to Towers, founded by his family to continue his legacy. The organization aims to support veterans, first responders, and their families.
Tunnel to Towers, since its inception, has been driven by Siller’s favorite quote, “While we have time, let us do good.” The organization has provided over 1,700 mortgage-free homes to families of fallen service members and first responders, as well as disabled veterans. It has offered housing assistance and support services to more than 20,000 homeless veterans. Nationwide events are held to honor these heroes and preserve memories of those who sacrificed their lives.
Tunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller, Stephen Siller’s brother, once cautioned in 2020 about the nation’s risk of forgetting the impact of 9/11. Rising anti-American sentiment and some online commentators dismissing the attacks have raised concerns about losing the legacy of those who perished, including 343 members of the New York City Fire Department. Frank Siller vows that Tunnel to Towers will ensure that their sacrifice is remembered.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was created to honor FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who perished while responding to the attacks. The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Institute educates students from kindergarten to 12th grade about the heroism displayed on September 11, emphasizing America’s resilience and spirit. Its mobile 9/11 exhibit has traveled extensively across the United States and Canada.
In 2023, Tunnel to Towers introduced “Steel Across America,” showcasing a 16,000-pound steel beam from the World Trade Center wreckage. This exhibit journeyed over 10,500 miles across 21 states and the District of Columbia, concluding in New York City.
As the 25th anniversary approaches, Tunnel to Towers launched the 343 Homes Initiative, honoring 343 New York firefighters who died on September 11. The initiative plans to provide 343 mortgage-free homes to families of fallen service members and first responders, as well as catastrophically injured service members nationwide. This effort is part of the “In the Line of Duty Programs,” which has already provided over 1,700 mortgage-free homes, including more than 220 custom Smart Homes for severely injured veterans and first responders.
Frank Siller, in a recent opinion piece, reflected on his brother Stephen’s life saying, “Stephen’s life and heroic death serve as a reminder to us all to live life to the fullest and spend our time doing good—this is his legacy.”
Leave a Reply