Sunday marked the 18th annual Tunnel To Towers 5K run and walk. Thousands followed in the footsteps of a hero.
They were retracing the steps of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who was on his way home on Sept. 11, 2001, when he got word of a plane hitting one of the World Trade Center towers. He turned back around, strapped on 75 pounds of gear and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to help save lives.
He died that day, but 18 years later, his memory lives on.
For many participants, it’s a tribute and an inspiration.
“This is for my 343 and counting brothers and sisters that never made it home. We’re running strong,” one person said.
“We will never ever forget you. We love you and God bless you,” another person said.
And for others, it’s an inspiration.