I’ve shared with some of you the fact that I was in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001. I commuted on the PATH train from NJ to the WTC at the time and was underground when the Twin Towers were hit. Once I got above-ground I experienced a full day of 9/11 horrors and stood helplessly as a witness to terrible history. My full story of that day is detailed elsewhere. Each year I remember the people who I knew from my commute that I never saw again after that awful day and the first responders who were rushing to the scene and then spent weeks on the pile relentlessly searching. I also think deeply about the course of the world since that day. I was, in fact, at Ground Zero on the first day of a much different world.
I’ve wanted to support t2t.org for years since they began the tower climb, but I’ve never been able to register for a variety of reasons. That changed this year. On June 1, 2025, Lord willing, I’ll climb.
My required fundraising goal is $250, my personal goal is $1,000. I’m not sure I’ll even reach that. But, if you want to support me and help t2t.org, you’ll find a support link below. If you want to donate and also receive a commemorative sticker, DM or send me an address and I’ll mail it to you. I'll send one of the t-shirts I’ve made for my climb to the highest donations.
Anyway, it’s about helping first responders, veterans and their families and the good works t2t.org does to support them. So I’d be honored if you’d support my climb to the top!
Each year since 2015, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has held the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC at One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in New York City. One thousand participants climb 104 stories, symbolizing strength, hope and the resiliency of the American spirit.
The event celebrates the life and sacrifice of all 9/11 heroes, including FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and FDNY Captain Billy Burke.
On September 11, 2001, Stephen Siller, a FDNY firefighter assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers. He suddenly got word over his scanner that an airplane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers. There, he gave up his life while saving others.
Captain William F. Burke, Jr. and his men were on the 27th floor of the North Tower when the South Tower collapsed. Billy immediately alerted the Captain of Ladder Co. 6 and the Officer of Ladder Co. 24, his original company, of the collapse. They, along with their men, immediately evacuated along with a number of civilians they were assisting, all surviving. Minutes later the North Tower collapsed and Billy perished along with the other innocents on September 11, 2001. He selflessly repeated, “keep going, I’m right behind you,” to keep his men moving to safety.
The view from One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Center is nothing short of spectacular. After making the emotional climb, participants explore expansive, panoramic views in every direction from a unique perspective. One of the major highlights, of course, is viewing the two reflecting pools that mark the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood.
