Tunnel to Towers Brings Steel Beam Back to Ground Zero
Frank Siller, the CEO of Tunnel to Towers, along with his nephew Stephen Siller Jr., commemorated his late brother Stephen, a courageous firefighter who lost his life on September 11, 2001. They took a reflective walk through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, retracing the final steps of Stephen, as the nation marked the somber 25th anniversary of the attacks.
During this event, Tunnel to Towers highlighted that they carried Stephen’s legacy, along with the memory of countless others who made sacrifices that day. This act was part of a broader mission that involved transporting a steel beam from the World Trade Center across the U.S. in a tour called “Steel Across America,” which concluded with this ceremonial return to Ground Zero.
The organization shared that this journey lasted over four months, covering more than 10,500 miles with a 21-foot, 16,900-pound steel beam, making nearly 40 stops in various states. This initiative served as a gathering point for communities to remember the events of 9/11, pay tribute to first responders, and educate younger generations about the day’s significance.
Stephen Siller Jr., who was only 9 months old when his father passed away, expressed gratitude for the support from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. He remarked on the meaningful events held daily in his father’s name, highlighting the ongoing efforts to keep Stephen’s memory alive.
On that fateful morning in 2001, Stephen Siller had just finished an overnight shift before learning of the attacks. He was initially planning a golf outing with his brothers. Upon hearing the news, he quickly turned around to assist, but the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel was closed. Undeterred, he donned 60 pounds of firefighting gear and ran through the tunnel toward the Twin Towers, ultimately sacrificing his life.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established to honor Stephen Siller and aims to help families of fallen servicemen and first responders. They provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and veterans, as well as scholarships for the children of those they support. Their mission, deeply rooted in the aftermath of 9/11, also focuses on combating veteran homelessness and ensuring the memory of September 11, 2001, is never forgotten.
