More than 15,000 participants from all parts of the metropolitan area, across the country and from as far away as England and Hawaii are expected to attend the run/walk, which retraces the path Siller took from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center in an attempt to rescue victims that day. The event has raised over $5 million for burn victims, orphans, Katrina relief and other causes since its inception seven years ago.
Although named for one firefighter, who lived with his brother Russell and wife Jackie in Rockville Centre after his parents died, attended St. Agnes Cathedral Elementary School and then went on to graduate from St. Agnes High School, the run also pays special tribute to everyone who perished in the quest to save others.
"This event began as a way to honor Stephen and his firefighter brothers," said Frank Siller, one of Stephen's siblings and a coordinator of the run."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 lost their lives that day, but provides a forum for remembrance of the past and a life-affirming event for the future."
Stephen still lives in the hearts of the Siller family, and for all those whose lives he touched. His is a legacy of bravery, compassion, and good will that the Siller family wants to see live on.
"We kept asking ourselves how we could properly memorialize him," said Russell, a village resident who is Stephen's oldest brother."A dinner or a golf outing?" continued Russell. "Then a friend of Stephen's suggested we hold a run through the Battery Tunnel in his honor, and in memory of all those heroes who displayed such bravery on September 11. Because this idea was a reflection of Stephen's spirit, we knew right away that it was perfect. All the pieces began to fall into place, and we realized what could be a more fitting than a run through the tunnel, the very spot where Stephen embarked on his heroic journey."
The Siller family, including Stephen's wife, Sally, her children, his six siblings and numerous relatives, close friends, and volunteers have dedicated their hearts and souls to the run.
"We've been moved by the kindness of friends and by those who have chosen to become part of his story," said Russell."So many people are helping us along the way, offering us untold amounts of emotional and financial support as we prepare for our seventh annual run."
Other highlights scheduled for this year's run include:
The London Bridge, a contingent of 150 firefighters from England, and members of the U.S. military (including the Wounded Warriors) will be on hand to honor the fallen
Famed performance artist Michael Israel will create a patriotic water color live, as the firefighters march in formation from their positions in the tunnel
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani will attend and speak at the closing ceremonies
Academy award-nominated actors John Tuturro and Danny Aiello will attend and speak
More than 30 food vendors will donate to run participants following the event
The run will culminate in a carnival-like celebration, including musical acts, free refreshments, performance artists, and activities for kids and more
WCBS will televise the event live, from 9-11 a.m.
The Tunnel to Towers Run is open to the public. Registration/donation is $40 per participant before Sept. 24, and $50 after that date. Those wishing to participate can register online, at www.tunneltotowersrun.org.
The run/walk begins at 9:30 a.m. in Brooklyn on the Gowanus approach (IS 142) to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, through the Tunnel, north onto West Street, right onto Liberty Street, to the Battery Park esplanade, and finishing at Vesey Street directly across from the World Trade
Center.
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