The American flag is raised by two cranes.

Augusta University, city of Augusta commemorate 9/11

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. 

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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man smiling Written by Miguelangelo Hernandez

Jagwire is your source for news and stories from Augusta University. Daily updates highlight the many ways students, faculty, staff, researchers and clinicians "bring their A games" in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state of Georgia.

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