New York City marked another year of remembrance today with the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk, drawing thousands of participants who came together to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and to recognize the sacrifice of first responders.
The event traces the journey of firefighter Stephen Siller, who on 9/11 ran through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel carrying his full gear to reach the Twin Towers, where he ultimately lost his life. His act of bravery has since become a symbol of selflessness and dedication, inspiring the creation of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its annual memorial run.
A National Tradition of Remembrance
The foundation organizes the event each year, turning Lower Manhattan into a gathering place for families of victims, survivors, firefighters, police officers, veterans, and citizens from across the country. The run has become not just a tribute, but also a public demonstration of solidarity and community spirit.
“This race is about remembrance, but also about continuing the legacy of those we lost by supporting the men and women who protect us today,” one participant said while crossing the finish line with an American flag in hand.
Purpose Beyond Commemoration
Funds raised during the 5K directly support the foundation’s charitable initiatives, including the construction of mortgage-free homes for families of fallen first responders, assistance for severely injured veterans, and humanitarian aid to communities in crisis. Over the years, these programs have extended the impact of the foundation nationwide, turning grief into tangible acts of hope and support.
New York’s Ongoing Commitment
For many New Yorkers, the Tunnel to Towers 5K is more than a race. It has become a civic tradition that reaffirms the city’s vow to never forget. The day was marked by the tolling of bells, the reading of names, and moments of silence, underscoring the enduring memory of the lives lost nearly a quarter-century ago.
As one volunteer summarized: “We run, we walk, we remember. This is how New York keeps its promise to honor 9/11.”
