STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation has announced that its major annual fundraiser, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run, will this year be replicated in hundreds of communities throughout the country on September 11, 2011. In an effort to provide Americans nationwide with an opportunity to personally commemorate the tenth anniversary in their own hometowns, the Foundation has partnered with USA Cares and Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. to coordinate the nationwide events.
Since 2002, the Tunnel to Towers Run has been held annually to honor the 343 firefighters and first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 and it recreates the final footsteps of firefighter Stephen Siller who was last seen running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with sixty pounds of gear strapped to his back en route to the World Trade Center after the attacks. The event, which was originally intended as a way for New Yorkers to honor the fallen heroes, has now become a yearly tribute to everyone who lost their lives that day and transcends the tragedy. Last year, more than 20,000 people attended and took part in the NY event. So far, more than 30 communities have signed up to hold a Tunnel to Towers Run in their own towns, with the goal of one run in 343 different cities across the nation.
"This event began as a way to honor Stephen and his firefighter brothers," said Frank Siller, one of Stephen's siblings and the chairman of the Foundation. "Over the years, through an influx of volunteers, donations and interest, it has continued to grow and evolve. It is now, without question, the one annual event that not only celebrates the lives of everyone who was lost that day, but provides a forum for remembrance of the past and a life-affirming event for the future. We are grateful to have the opportunity to include the entire country in this moving and meaningful event," said Siller.
Each year every branch of the active military is involved in supporting the run as both participants and volunteers. Much of the money raised has gone to support organizations like USA Cares, which provide funds and support for active military who have been severely wounded and family members of the fallen.
"September 11th affected our entire nation, not just New York," said Bill Nelson, executive director of USA Cares. "The nationwide Tunnel to Towers Run/Walks will give communities everywhere the chance to come together and demonstrate that they have not forgotten the sacrifices of that day, or the sacrifice and courage being shown every day in the hills and deserts where our sons and daughters face an unrelenting foe."
Americans across the country are encouraged to organize their own local event and can do so at www.TunneltoTowersRun.org. Organizations wanting to participate as partners are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible as registration ends on June 15, 2011.
