This year marks the 25th anniversary of the “9/11” attacks, a special commemorative event will be held in New York.
On September 11, 2001, 34-year-old New York firefighter Stephen Siller learned about the World Trade Center attack as he was heading home from work. He drove towards the World Trade Center in Manhattan, but found the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel entrance closed due to safety concerns when he arrived. Stephen then abandoned his vehicle, strapped with about 60 pounds (27 kilograms) of rescue gear, and proceeded on foot into the tunnel. He ran from the Brooklyn side to the Manhattan side and continued on to the World Trade Center for rescue, ultimately sacrificing his own life.
After 25 years, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation will hold a special commemorative event on September 11. Stephen’s family will lead the commemorative procession, with a roughly 6.4-meter long and about 7.7-ton steel beam from the South Tower of the World Trade Center accompanying the team as they walk through the tunnel, retracing his path to the World Trade Center. The tunnel was renamed the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel in 2010.
It is emphasized that this steel beam will only pass through the tunnel with the procession and will not enter or stay at the World Trade Center site.
This 25-year-long retrace initiative aims to honor Stephen and pay tribute to all the heroes who bravely stepped forward and sacrificed themselves to save others during that tragedy.