Uniformed police officers filled the streets of New York City on Sunday for the 23rd Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Celebration to honor, remember and celebrate the lives of fallen U.S. soldiers and first responders. The walk has begun.
The event, which symbolizes fallen 9/11 FDNY firefighter Stephen Schiller's final steps from the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers, attracted more than 40,000 participants this year and is a show of support for the cause. I have proven that.
“friend of [Stephen’s]Billy Codd said to me one day, “Hey, Frank, why don't you run… do what Stephen did and run through the tunnel to the tower?'' Frank Schiller CEO Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Stephen Schiller's brother, said Fox News' Abby Hornacek.
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This year's Tunnel to Towers 5K attracted more than 40,000 people. (Fox News)
So an idea was born.
“When he said that, I was filled with emotion,” he continued.
Approximately 1,000 people attended the first event, which grew significantly over the next two decades.
Stephen Schiller Jr. — whose late father ran down the path now commemorated by so many — also felt excited when he saw so many people joining in to support the cause. spoke to Hornacek about the emotional impact of .
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“It's a beautiful thing,” he said. “I feel his presence in my life every day. Because of him, we were able to help so many people and I am so grateful that we were able to gain something from his loss. ”
“I think each of us is truly blessed.”
Frank Schiller said the event not only honors the sacrifices of 9/11, but also honors the thousands of military personnel, fallen police officers, firefighters and others who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism. He said it also shows respect for first responders. Every day all over the country.
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“We made a commitment to take care of each of them and their families forever,” he said.
Tunnel to Towers is a charity that helps Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders by providing mortgage-free housing.
