Nashville actor Jonathan Jackson and his band, Enation, will perform for runners at this weekend’s 14th annual Tunnel To Towers 5K run/walk.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation was named in honor of Siller, a father of five young children who died during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Siller was a member of Brooklyn’s Elite Squad One firefighters and was just about to finish his shift when he heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center. He called his wife to tell him that he could not meet three of his older brothers on time. When he arrived at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, he found that it was blocked off. He jumped out of his car and ran to the World Trade Center, where he died. His body was never recovered. He was 34.
His family decided to start the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor his memory. They raise funds to help wounded veterans and first responders, and help fund education for children who have lost a parent due to war.
“September 11 affected every American. Hearing the story of Stephen Siller was inspiring in so many ways,” Jackson said when asked why he decided to perform at the foundation’s event. “The Tunnel To Towers Foundation is doing incredible work and is such a powerful legacy for an American hero. The fact that Stephen was off duty but still chose to run towards the danger to save lives is amazing. I'm so grateful to Stephen and all the men and women who serve and protect us and their families. The opportunity to participate in this event and show our gratitude is an honor for us!”
Jackson and his band will be performing at the After=Event-Celebration. Former Yankees great Bernie Williams and his band will also perform.
The Tunnel To Towers 5K walk/run is on Sunday, Sept. 27. You can register for the event at Tunnel2Towers.org. The walk/run follows Siller's route in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, now called the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel.
image courtesy of ABC