Twenty-five years ago, the unimaginable occurred. The World Trade Center, beaming proudly over the New York City skyline, was taken down by the Islamist extremist group, Al Qaeda. Once a symbol of American economic and global prosperity, was now the site of one of the most tragic events in United States history.
Today, in the age of advanced technology and smartphone devices, news travels fast. The world is there at the click of a button, whether that be through a quick Google search or a doomscroll on social media platforms. In 2001, the public use of the internet was few and far between; therefore, news outlets were vital in disseminating breaking news.
The network news divisions, notably CBS, ABC, and NBC, had a heavy responsibility in letting the American public know what had unfolded on September 11th. For five straight days, they gave minute-by-minute coverage as those at home watched in abject horror.
Reporters showed the reality of the situation on the front lines from beginning to end. Video footage captured the towers as they collapsed, people running from dust clouds that were covering city blocks, and firefighters as they cleaned debris one by one with buckets. They painted a full picture of the tragedy.
Additionally, it was extremely hard to get in touch with loved ones, so family members would often call the news stations looking for information on their whereabouts. Reporters at the time felt as though they were not just a source of information, but also a community. 9/11 changed not only United States procedures, but also the cable newsroom. Headlines scrolling at the bottom of the screen were introduced, which is still a current practice.
Entertainment, often a source of escapism, was used to fill the emotional void with sensitive eyes watching. Major music companies urged radio stations not to play over 150 songs due to potentially offensive material. Representations of the World Trade Center in film were cut as pure heroism and effective leadership in the face of crises took center stage.
Spider-Man, a fan-favorite and symbol of New York City, wrapped filming in June 2001. Early promotion for the film involved a teaser trailer showcasing a helicopter trapped in a web between the Twin Towers. For its 2002 release, edits were made, with one standout change of depicting New York as its own character. During a pivotal fight between Spider-Man and antagonist Green Goblin, New Yorkers fought back, disrupting the scene with one person shouting, “You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!”
In the wake of the tragedy, beautiful things can be born. Frank Siller, founder and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, took his grief and channeled it into something positive. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting first responders, military personnel, and their families while ensuring we never forget 9/11.
The foundation was started in memory of Frank Siller’s brother, firefighter Stephen Siller. When hearing about what was happening down at the World Trade Center, Stephen did not hesitate to carry out his duty despite finishing his shift. He strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and raced on foot through what was then the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. A year later, the 5k Run & Walk was born, symbolizing Siller’s final footsteps and honoring those who had been lost on 9/11. What started as a 1,500-person event has grown to be one of the top 5k runs in the country.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has expanded tremendously, working to live up to its motto “Let Us Do Good.” Their Smart Home Program provides mortgage-free smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The Gold Star Program provides mortgage-free homes nationwide to surviving spouses with young children of first responders and veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Newer initiatives include the Homeless Veterans Program, which provides high-quality affordable housing with comprehensive support services, and the Mae and George Siller Scholarship Program. This full-ride scholarship is open to all undergraduate degree programs and certified and accredited trade programs for the children of the families in Tunnel to Towers various programs.
As it is the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation wanted to do something memorable, leading to the Steel Across America tour. It is a nationwide campaign that transports an authentic steel beam from the South Tower of the World Trade Center. The tour’s goal is to create moments of reverence and connection for those who lived through 9/11 and as an educational opportunity for younger generations. It serves as a reminder of American resilience and the spirit of service embodied by Stephen Siller and many others that day.
The tour began on May 2nd and has a total of 37 stops, wrapping up this month. The tour went through a variety of places such as local museums, campuses, and sporting events. Notable stops include the Flight 93 National Memorial, Emma E. Booker Elementary School, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the White House. One of the last stops brought the steel through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel. Often at these events retired FDNY members, many of whom served that day, come to tell their stories and grill for the attendees.
I have had the privilege of being a part of this tour, as a member of the Events Team. My team and I have travelled around the country coordinating these events, ensuring they run smoothly from top to bottom. There is nothing like seeing the country while knowing the work I am doing at each place is something so unabashedly good. It is an honor to help give a platform to these heroes, get to hear their stories, and bring a little bit of closure to those who lived through 9/11. It has been an amazing and memorable experience that I am very lucky to have been a part of.
If you want to learn more or get involved with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit https://t2t.org/.
Additional Resources:
Battaglio, Stephen. “How 9/11 Changed the Way We Watch TV News.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sept. 2021, https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2021-09-10/9-11-tv-news-cable-change-how-we-watch.
Boyle, Michael. “How 9/11 Changed the Climax of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man.” SlashFilm, SlashFilm, 18 Nov. 2023, https://www.slashfilm.com/1438953/marvel-mcu-sam-raimi-spider-man-9-11-changes/.
Deggans, Eric. “From TV News Tickers to Homeland: The Ways TV Was Affected By 9/11.” NPR.Org, National Public Radio, 10 Sept. 2021, https://www.npr.org/2021/09/10/1035896519/from-tv-news-tickers-to-homeland-the-ways-tv-was-affected-by-9-11.
“Eyewitness to 9/11: Behind the Lens | Original News Coverage.” YouTube, Eyewitness News ABC7NYC, 12 Sept. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIp7z5VraG4.
Mayfield, Taj. “10 Songs That Captured America’s Feelings After 9/11 – Grammy.” Grammy.Com, Recording Academy, 11 Sept. 2021, https://www.grammy.com/news/9-11-tribute-10-songs-that-captured-americas-feelings-bruce-springsteen-jay-z-imagine-dragons/
“World Peace through World Trade.” World Peace Through World Trade | National September 11 Memorial & Museum, www.911memorial.org/learn/resources/digital-exhibitions/world-trade-center-history/world-peace-through-world-trade.
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