Man walking 500 miles to honor fallen heroes of 9/11 attacks
WASHINGTON — To honor his brother’s sacrifice, one man is planning to walk 500 miles to thank first responders for their everyday heroism and commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks.
Frank Siller lost his brother Stephen, who answered the call on 9/11 by running with his firefighter gear through Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toward the Twin Towers.
In his honor, 68-year-old Siller plans to visit each site from that day, from Virginia to Pennsylvania and New York City with stops along the way, to highlight the sacrifice of all first responders.
“The unsung heroes of 9/11 were the first responders who tirelessly searched for signs of life following the attacks and provided steady leadership that helped our country come together in a time of need,” Siller said in a statement announcing the Never Forget Walk.
The nonprofit CEO of Tunnel to Towers plans to end his journey at the tunnel his brother trekked to help save the victims of the attack on New York City.
He starts the trip at the Pentagon Memorial in Virginia in August and will walk 15 miles a day for six weeks.
Parades featuring fire and police departments, followed with cookouts, are planned in several towns on his way to New York:
- Winchester, VA - Aug. 7
- Cumberland, MD - Aug.14
- Shanksville, PA - Aug. 21
- Hershey, PA - Aug. 28
- Easton, PA - Sept. 4
- Morristown, NJ - Sept. 5
- Staten Island, NY - Sept. 10
Siller started the nonprofit after his brother’s death to help the families of first responders by providing mortgage-free homes.
The foundation plans to read the names of the first responders who have died of 9/11-related illnesses on Sept. 12.
“Many of these first responders suffered from chronic illnesses, some losing their battle to them," his statement reads, "we will honor their sacrifice as well as the sacrifices of fallen military members who lost their lives after answering the call to service in the wake of 9/11. "
"We must ensure America never forgets these heroes.”
