This year has been mired in extreme challenges of a pandemic, protests, violence and vandalism. This truly is a dark time for our country. Amid the turmoil, most who are serving or who have served in public safety vow to always remember the horrendous attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and to never forget the 2,977 people who died.
Most of those who lost their lives on 9/11 at the three attack sites—the World Trade Center (New York City), the Pentagon (Arlington, VA) and United Airlines Flight 93 (Shanksville, PA)—were civilians, except for 343 firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers. The 9/11 attack and death totals represent the worst terrorist attack in the world and the worst attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, a date, like 9/11, that will “Live in Infamy!”
As bad as each of these two attacks were on the United States, there was an immediate resurgence of patriotism and unity that brought our country together and made communities and the nation stronger with unparalleled resolve. This September 11th marks the 19th anniversary of this day of death, sorrow and remembrance. To the surprise and disbelief of the 9/11 families, New York firefighters and law enforcement officers as well as first responders around the world, numerous news media outlets reported that the 9/11 ceremony and the family reading of names of loved ones who were lost at Ground Zero was canceled “due to the pandemic.”
A second blow came with the announcement on Aug. 13, 2020, that the 9/11 “Tribute in Light” memorial also would be canceled this year because of health risks. These announcements were unbelievable and shocking and turn the 9/11 illumination to darkness. This sentiment in no way represented the spirit and courage of New Yorkers, this nation or thousands of first responders. This represented a state of surrender, giving up of hope, and, ultimately, forgetting all of those who died and all of the responders who gave their lives to save others.
This country always has faced overwhelming odds with strength, resolve and unity. Fortunately, and with the courage like that of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller (and that of many fellow responders), the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation stepped up without hesitation and demonstrated true American resolve by immediately announcing that it would hold the 9/11 reading of names.
When the 9/11 “Tribute in Light’ was canceled, Frank Siller, who is the brother of Stephen and the chairman/CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, stood strong and stated, “We’re going to make sure that those beautiful lights that represent the loss of life of 2,977 brave souls 19 years ago … will be illuminating the skies on Sept. 11 this year to make sure that we pay tribute to all those who perished that fateful day.” Siller said the foundation would shine the lights in almost the same location where the “Tribute in Light” is situated. “It’s going to be a magnificent tribute to those who died.”
Tunnel to Towers also reported that it is making every effort to ensure the safety and health of this year’s readers. “All 140 speakers will wear masks and practice social distancing,” the foundation said in a statement.
The response to this devastating cancellation of 9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies was met with tremendous opposition. Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York President Andrew Ansbro released a statement on August 14 to express his disappointment in the cancellation of the “Tribute in Light.” “New York City Firefighters stand united in opposition to the cancellation of the annual Towers of Light. The first responders and New Yorkers who have lived through September 11, 2001, and now persevered through the coronavirus pandemic, are feeling betrayed. I haven’t spoken to a single tradesman that isn’t ready and willing to work—especially to complete the honor of lighting the sky on the anniversary of the darkest day in American history,” he posted on social media. “These are more than light beams displayed once a year—they are beams of solace for a still-grieving nation and the literal embodiment of ‘never forget.’”
In addition, more than 19,000 people signed a Change.org petition that called on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to allow the tribute to take place.
Although it is disappointing that it would take a resounding response of opposition to restore this illumination remembrance, Cuomo provided a statement: “This year it is especially important that we all appreciate and commemorate 9/11, the lives lost, and the heroism displayed as New Yorkers are once again called upon to face a common enemy. I understand the Museum’s concern for health and safety and appreciate their reconsideration. The state will provide health personnel to supervise to make sure the event is held safely while at the same time properly honoring 9/11. We will never forget.”
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO Alice M. Greenwald also made a statement: “For the last eight years, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum has produced the ‘Tribute in Light,’ and we recognize the profound meaning it has for so many New Yorkers. This year, its message of hope, endurance and resilience are more important than ever. In the last 24 hours, we’ve had conversations with many interested parties and believe we will be able to stage the tribute in a safe and appropriate fashion.”
She added, “I want to particularly thank Mike Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo and the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. for their assistance in offsetting the increased costs associated with the health and safety considerations around the tribute this year and the technical support of so many that will enable the tribute to be a continuing source of comfort to families and an inspiration to the world going forward.”
The good news following the drama leading up to the 19th anniversary of 9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies is that the 9/11 reading of names and the “Tribute in Light” will be held, and we will never forget 9/11!
A heartfelt thanks goes out to the the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation for never wavering and immediately responding with resolve and purpose to maintain the importance and sanctity of these 9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies, which mean so much to responders and citizens in New York and around the world, and to ensure that the world never forgets all who were lost, including the firefighters and police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to save others.
I urge and challenge you to support this phenomenal organization (as I have done) through a personal or corporate donation.
For more on Stephen’s life story, go to tunnel2towers.org/stephens-story.
For more about the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s programs, including the Smart Home Program, the Fallen First Responder Home Program, the Gold Star Family Home Program, the Footsteps to the Future Endowment, the National Run, Walk & Climb Series and the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit, see the “Our Programs” page at tunnel2towers.org.
