In Photos | The 9/11 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Mobile Exhibit and Memorial Ceremony brings a somber reminder to downtown New Port Richey

September 11, 2022

BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey

The rain held off for us on Saturday morning but unfortunately not for everyone who ventured downtown to take a tour through the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Mobile Exhibit. Even so, visitors were not to be daunted and came out anyways, many dressed in red, white and blue and holding American flags and umbrellas while patiently biding their time in line. The skies grumbled some on Sunday afternoon, but the rain mostly held off for those attending the special Memorial Ceremony commemorating the 21st anniversary of 9/11 held at 2 p.m. in Sims Park.

Scroll down to see the photos below – but first a little something about this special event.

The Tunnel to Towers Mobile Exhibit honors the sacrifice of Stephen Siller a Brooklyn firefighter and father of five who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. According to his story, Stephen Stiller was off duty and on his way to play a round of golf with his brothers when he heard that a plane had hit the north tower of the World Trade Center. He headed back and upon learning the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel was closed to traffic due to security, raced by foot through the tunnel carrying 60 pounds of gear to get to the Twin Towers.

The exhibit features a variety of exhibits and visitors have the opportunity to hear stories firsthand, from those who served on 9-11. The Tunnel to Tower Mobile Exhibit tours nationally and serves as a reminder that we should never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The exhibit, which is free to view, gets help from local sponsors and also helps to raise funds through donations for The Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The nonprofit organization, based out of New York, provides a variety of programs and services to first responders and members of the military who live elsewhere throughout the country and close to home.

Locally, Tunnel to Towers Trinity will be hosting the Second Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K and Walk on October 22, 2022, at The Commons in Trinity. For more information on that or to register, click here.