Tunnel to Towers Run honors Sept. 11 victims

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A New York firefighter's story, written in the midst of so many others cut short on September 11, 2001, in the by the terror attacks on the World Trade Center towers has sparked a movement across the nation.

The anniversary not only brings back memories of the horror of that day, but also lends a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by brave men and women in uniform. Stephen Siller, a New York Firefighter, ran through the Brooklyn-Battery tunnel in full gear to the World Trade Center towers to help with the rescue.

In the process, Siller lost his life.

Mobile's second annual Tunnel to Towers event was held Sunday morning in honor of Siller and all those who, like him, gave their lives to try to save others as the towers crumbled that day.

The morning’s events began at 6:30 with a sunrise service where Chuck and Debbie Tomlinson were in attendance. Their son, 24-year-old USMC Sergeant Ben Tomlinson, is one of many who is benefited from the event. He was struck in the neck by a sniper's bullet while serving in Afghanistan; the wound left the marine paralyzed from the mid-chest down.

“It's hard, I'm not going to say it's not hard, it's hard. But we have a strong faith and Ben has such a wonderful attitude.” said Ben’s mother, Debbie.

This year, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation said it intends to build a smart home for Ben.

“We just can't believe it's going to happen. It's just such a wonderful thing for Ben just to have some independence.” Debbie Tomlinson said.

Robert Kichler decided to show his appreciation wearing a firefighter’s uniform during the 5k run.

PHOTOS: Tunnel to Towers Run 2012

“I definitely appreciate them a lot more knowing how hot this is,” said Kichler. “Going uphill is really hard because you can’t really lift up your legs but other than that, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.”

He has a newfound appreciation for fire fighters.

That’s something Tom O’Connor would probably be proud to hear. O’Connor, a retired New York Fire Department fire fighter, remembers September 11 well.

He wants everyone to remember the sacrifice and do something positive in place of the tragedy.  

“It’s a sad day, but out of bad some good came and this is part of it. Right now, a lot of people are pulling together and it’s for a common cause. Really in the American Spirit,” O’Connor said.

For upcoming events honoring September 11, you can visit http://www.mobilebayremembers.com/