More than 400 runners, walkers, and first responders, many in full gear, gathered at dawn at Riverside Park for the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk – Vero Beach. The event, which started in New York and is now held around the country, is a poignant tribute to the heroes of September 11, 2001.
Additionally, the running path was marked by 2,976 flags near Fire Station 2, representing every civilian life lost on that fateful day 24 years ago.
Before the starting horn sounded, Opey Angelone, event organizer, shared news of the profound impact that the runners’ participation has had locally, noting that an Indian River County family will be receiving a home through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
“The fire service is about a brotherhood that comes together for each other and our community,” said Allison Baird, before offering a prayer in honor of the sacrifices of first responders that day and for their families.
Baird asked that we always remember 9/11 and the strength and sacrifices of the heroes that day, as well as the first responders who continue to put themselves in harm’s way on our behalf every day.
Following a presentation by the Honor Guard, with a massive American flag billowing in the breeze behind him, Indian River County Emergency Services Director and Fire Chief David Johnson credited the event’s success to a dedicated team.
“If it wasn’t for them, we would not be here today,” he said, recognizing Opey Angelone, Karen Rackard, Stacy Zedek and Alicia Reyes as the “backbone of this organization.”
He extended his gratitude to the community partners, including personnel from Indian River County Emergency Services, Vero Beach Police Department, IRC Sheriff’s Department and the County Commissioners for their “undying support.”
Chief Johnson recounted the heroic story of Stephen Siller, the FDNY firefighter for whom the foundation is named. On Sept. 11, Siller was off-duty and on his way to play golf when he heard the news. He turned his truck around and drove toward the Twin Towers, but found the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel blocked.
“He took his gear out of his truck, 60 pounds or more, strapped it to his back, and started running. He ran through the tunnel all the way to the towers. About the same distance we’ll be running today,” shared Johnson.
Siller, who was assigned to Brooklyn Squad 1, joined rescue efforts at the World Trade Center, where he, along with 342 of his fellow FDNY firefighters, made the ultimate sacrifice when the towers collapsed.
The foundation, created in Stephen Siller’s honor, has since raised over $1 billion. This support has allowed the organization to deliver, or work on providing more than 1,500 mortgage-free homes to America’s heroes.
Its Smart Home Program builds custom, accessible homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Their Fallen First Responder and Gold Star Family Home programs pay off existing mortgages, providing critical financial stability to families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty, and their Homeless Veteran program works to end veteran homelessness.
“They have assisted 10,000 homeless veterans in receiving housing assistance, and they’re on tap to give another 200 mortgage-free homes this year,” said Johnson.
For more information, visit T2T.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
