Tunnels To Towers helps local residents, keeps 9/11 memories alive
DELMARVA – Across Delmarva, there are people who have lost loved ones in the line of duty, have returned home from war, and survived tragedies like the September 11th attacks in 2001. But, they’re not alone. Organizations like Tunnel To Towers helps them to navigate some of the most difficult times of their lives. “We’ve been able to make a very positive and lasting impact on thousands of lives,” said Tunnel To Towers Chief Administrative Officer Mary Siller Scullin.
It started out as mostly serving those in the New York area after the 9/11 attacks. On 9/11 Stephen Siller sacrificed his life by putting on his 60-pound firefighter equipment, and racing through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on foot to Ground Zero. He had just finished a shift at Brooklyn’s Squad 1, but when he heard the news about the attacks, he went back to station and got his gear. Stephen ultimately ended up giving his life working to save others.
Now, Steven’s brother Frank Siller goes on a journey to commemorate that sacrifice. He treks more than 500 miles, stopping at all three locations of the 9/11 attacks. Frank finishes it off by taking that same journey through the tunnel that his brother did 20 years ago. The Siller family says it’s the connections made along the way that hold so much meaning. “One of the key things is to never forget. When we say ‘never forget’ we want Americans to remember the heroism of that day, and the sacrifices and selflessness of that day,” said Siller Scullin.
On 9/11, after Frank makes it through the tunnel, he’ll visit the site of Ground Zero. He will then finish up at Station Five, which is one of the stations Stephen Siller served as a firefighter. There will be a small remembrance ceremony to wrap things up. Even though not everyone may be able to attend the ceremony, Siller Scullin says people can still honor those lost within their own communities. “Every family can have a positive impact. Every family can make a difference in the lives of these families who have lost their loved ones due to the selflessness,” said Siller Scullin.
If you’d like to get involved with Tunnel To Towers, there are two exciting opportunities coming up. First, the Let Us Do Good Ball is happening on September 17th. 47ABC’s Jordan Kudisch is emceeing the event at Fort Miles Museum in Lewes. They have a special 9/11 ceremony planned in honor of the 20th anniversary. But if a ball isn’t your thing, check out the 3rd Annual Tunnel To Towers Foundation 5K Run and Walk. It’s not a traditional 5K. It will actually be 3.43 miles to honor the 343 firefighters killed on 9/11. For more information on Tunnel To Towers and their events, click here.
