Augusta remembers 9/11 in annual Tunnel to Towers 5K
By Julianna McGahee | Staff writer
Individuals from all walks of life gathered at Augusta University’s Summerville Campus on Sept. 9, 2023, from 8 a.m. to noon to participate in the Tunnel to Towers 5K in remembrance of 9/11.
The 3.1-mile run/walk around Summerville Campus begun at 8:46 a.m., the same time that the first plane hit the North Tower in 2001.
The event also featured Lora Huff singing the national anthem, as well as a performance from the Davidson Fine Arts School Band.
Melissa Feldhaus, a participant in this 5K said, “I think that this is a great cause because this will never be forgotten. Everyone can come together to support the survivors and also be there for the families of the ones that we lost, and I think that this is a great way to do that.”
Attendants gather on Summerville’s amphitheater to remember the fallen from the 9/11 tragedy. (photo by Julianna McGahee)
The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk is held all around the United States by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. John and Cornelia Ryan established the Augusta chapter of the foundation back in 2016, and have directed this event ever since.
“My wife and I are the codirectors of the event,” said John Ryan, “We started codirecting and birthed this event in Augusta 7 years ago, and it's been growing ever since. We wanted to be involved in something that helps commemorate 9/11 and all the heroes who sacrificed themselves on that day, and that also makes sure that all communities have a place and time where they can remember and honor the promise we made to never forget.”
“Anytime you organize something like this, it's always a lot of work, and we are just so blessed and grateful for all the volunteers,” said Cornelia Ryan. “We are also blessed to be here on such a beautiful campus, so we appreciate the president and all of the staff for doing that for us. Again, we couldn't do this without our sponsors.”
The foundation was established 22 years ago in Stephen Siller’s honor. Siller was a firefighter who ran 3 miles to the Twin Towers on 9/11 with 60 pounds of gear on his back while he was off duty after hearing about the place crash. After his death, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation was created in tribute to him for his heroic sacrifice.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission is, “to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001.”
The mission goes on to state, “We also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.”
Firefighters were among the heroes honored at the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K. At top of page, participants run on Summerville Sept. 9. (photos by Julianna McGahee)
After 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families through building smart homes for injured veterans and first responders. The foundation is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to never forget Sept. 11, 2001.
“This has been an opportunity for everybody to plug in and build a community of collaboration so that we can share collegiality with one another in remembrance. You never know what tomorrow brings so if you can do good, you should be doing good,” said John.
If you are interested and want to learn more, visit their website at www.t2t.org.
Contact Julianna McGahee at jumcgahee@augusta.edu.
