The American flag is raised by two cranes.

Augusta University, city of Augusta commemorate 9/11

man smilingMiguelangelo Hernandez2 min readSeptember 11, 2024

Augusta University and the city of Augusta remembered the 9/11 victims with their eighth annual memorial and 5K run for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

A picture of a large American flag suspended between two firetruck ladders.
Click the photo to watch a highlight video from the event.

The event, which was held Sept. 7 on the Summerville Campus, featured Lora Huff singing the national anthem and the John Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School jazz band performing patriotic numbers. The Augusta Richmond County Fire Department, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta University ROTC honor guards presented the colors and performed a ceremonial bell ringing at 8:46 a.m. Several public safety agencies from Columbia and Richmond counties also participated in the ceremony.

Afterward, more than 150 participants ran in the 5K, with proceeds going toward the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The organization, whose mission is to honor and support first responders and the military, is dedicated to the memory of Siller, a fallen firefighter and father of five who was off duty when the first plane struck. He drove to his Brooklyn fire station to retrieve his gear after hearing about the crash on the scanner. 

Picture of a white banner that says "Stephen Siller (in red) Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk (in navy blue) Greater Augusta (in red)" in the center with a silhouette of a firefighter carrying an American flag. Across the bottom of the banner in white lettering against a navy background are the words "Follow the footsteps."
Click here to see more photos from the Sept. 7 event.
Banner with a picture of a New York firefighter in front of a fire truck with the number 153 on his hat. The words "Follow the footsteps" are along the bottom of the banner.
Woman sings on an outdoor stage next to a student band and its conductor. In front of the stage are photos of all of the firefighters killed during the 9/11 attacks.
Four men wearing uniforms standing at attention.
A man and woman sit in the rain wearing tan shirts depicting the Twin Towers and the words "Never Forget" underneath.
Backpack and gear sit on the ground.
Man in full military regalia stands next to a silver bell with a gold eagle on top on a table
Woman holds the hands of two children while walking past an American flag on the side of the sidewalk.
Firefighters in full firefighting attire begin to run the race next to a man in a tank top and shorts as people line the sidewalk cheering them on.
Runners join military members in uniform in the 5K
A man in a blue shirt, black shorts and orange running shoes crosses the finish line, as firetrucks in the background hold a large American flag over the path of the runners.
Man running on the sidewalk holds up his hands in victory
People in uniforms run down the sidewalk.
A man in a camo green shirt and camo pants runs down the sidewalk, while a man and woman in regular running attire try to catch up to him.
Banner displays photos of NYFD firefighters who died in the attacks of 9/11
Banner displays photos of NYFD firefighters who died in the attacks of 9/11

Siller made his way toward the World Trade Center but discovered the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel was blocked due to security reasons. Determined, he strapped about 60 pounds of gear to his back and ran about 3 miles to the Twin Towers. After his death, his six siblings established the foundation in his honor. 

Back of a T-shirt

Among the programs that benefit from the foundation is Building for America’s Bravest, which builds smart homes for injured U.S. service members. 

“The event brings together the entire community to remember first responders, military veterans and family members of 9/11 victims. Some say the event inspires people, creates camaraderie and renews friendships,” said John Ryan, emergency manager at Augusta University and coordinator for AU’s Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPaR). “My wife Conelia and I are humbled and grateful to everyone who steps up year after year to keep the memories of all the 9/11 heroes alive.”

View coverage of the event at WJBF, WRDW and The Augusta Press

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Written by
Miguelangelo Hernandez

Miguelangelo Hernandez is a senior communications and media coordinator at Augusta University. You can reach him at mighernandez@augusta.edu or (706) 993-6411.

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