As the anniversary of September 11 approaches, Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, has emphasized the importance of remembrance and gratitude. This year, the foundation will pay off 21 mortgages for the families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families, ensuring that the legacies of these heroes endure. The mission of the foundation is profoundly personal for Siller, whose brother, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, made the ultimate sacrifice by rushing through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on that fateful day. Tragically, Stephen’s body was never recovered, and his sacrifice serves as a guiding principle for the foundation’s work.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation not only honors those who perished on September 11 but also addresses the ongoing suffering of first responders and their families. Among the 21 mortgages being paid off this year, six are specifically for families of responders who succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder that the repercussions of that day continue to affect lives, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to helping those who have sacrificed on behalf of others. The simple yet profound promise made by the foundation is to support the families of first responders who protect the nation.
Looking forward to the landmark 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is launching a new initiative called “Steel Across America.” This initiative aims to transport a piece of steel from the World Trade Center across the country, alongside a 93-foot mobile museum. Frank Siller articulated that the purpose of this tour is to ensure that future generations will never forget the significant events of that day and the heavy toll paid for their freedoms. The foundation aims to create a meaningful dialogue surrounding September 11 and its lasting consequences.
In addition to honoring the fallen, the foundation emphasizes the necessity of community involvement in their mission. Frank Siller has urged all Americans to participate in this vital cause, highlighting the power of collective action in preserving the memory of those lost. He specifically appealed for donations of $11 a month to support their ongoing initiatives, stressing that each contribution will aid in fulfilling the foundation’s promise to support the families of heroic first responders.
Through these initiatives, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is not only focused on remembering the past but also fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. By engaging individuals across the nation, the foundation seeks to galvanize a spirit of unity and support for those left behind by the sacrifices made on September 11. Frank Siller’s heartfelt commitment to honoring his brother’s legacy encapsulates the broader mission of the foundation: to ensure that no one is forgotten and that the sacrifices of first responders resonate throughout the ages.
In summary, as the nation reflects on the tragic events of September 11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, led by Frank Siller, is dedicated to preserving the memories of fallen heroes while actively supporting their families. With initiatives like paying off mortgages and the “Steel Across America” project, the foundation aims to create lasting connections between past and present. Siller’s invitation to Americans to join this mission not only encourages individual contributions but also reinforces the collective responsibility to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
