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 to honor those who gave their lives on September 11th, 2001.
The event celebrates the life and sacrifice of 343 heroes who gave their lives on 9/11, including FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller and 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, when he got word 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, donned his gear and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers. There, he gave his life so that others might live.
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... and all survived. Minutes later, the North Tower collapsed and Billy perished. He selflessly repeated, “keep going, I’m right behind you,” to keep his men moving to safety.
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.
