Frank Siller’s trek from the Pentagon to Ground Zero wound through Morristown on Sunday, just days ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
“I’m the only guy that’s going to walk 537 miles and put weight on,” joked Siller, noting the hearty meals served by firefighters supporting him on his journey.
The founder of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is walking in memory of his brother, a New York fireman killed responding to the terror attacks.
His Never Forget odyssey honors all first responders who died on that horrific day, as well as those who died later from 9/11-related illnesses.
The Never Forget walk in Morristown, Sept. 5, 2021.Video by Kevin Coughlin:
Siller’s foundation has been paying off mortgages for these victims’ families, and it’s extending the program to families of servicemen and women killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.
GIULIANI, KERIK AMONG GUESTS
Irene Sullivan, widow of a New York fireman killed in the line duty, described the nonprofit’s generosity to her as “overwhelming.”
Speaking at Sunday’s event was her way of “paying it forward,” Sullivan said, paraphrasing a foundation motto to urge the crowd: “Let us continue to do good.”
A post-parade barbecue drew hundreds of families, veterans, firefighters, police, elected officials and bagpipers to the town hall parking lot.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.) and Morristown Councilwoman Sandi Mayer spoke. Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-25th Dist.) participated in the march from Headquarters Plaza to town hall.
There also were cameo appearances by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, personal attorney for former President Trump, along with former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik.
Neither man addressed the audience.
Giuliani, who hosts a talk show for a New York radio station that co-sponsored Sunday’s event in Morristown, earned him the nickname “America’s Mayor” for his leadership during 9/11 and its aftermath.
Kerik briefly served as interior minister of Iraq’s provisional government after the U.S. invasion, and President George W. Bush nominated him as director of homeland security.
Now, federal investigators are probing Giuliani’s dealings with Ukraine and Turkey, according to news accounts. Spreading Trump’s false claims of voter fraud has cost Giuliani his New York law license, and voting machine companies are suing him over his election statements. Congressional members are suing him, too, for allegedly helping foment the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Kerik served jail time for ethics violations, but was pardoned by Trump. He also has endorsed Trump’s debunked election claims.
MORE TO COME
COVERAGE OF 9/11 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin. Click/hover on images for captions:
Just a friendly reminder, nobody is truly Stuck in NJ. You’re not in a FEMA camp, sir.
Both towns are run by Democrats who have a disdain for anything American. They would never make an appearance at such a radical event….and I’m sure the NJEA and school boards advised them not to attend.
I’m sure if this was a far leaning leftist event they would have been front and center.
Where was the mayor??
Thanks, Marge.
Thank you, Faith.
Good work, as usual, Kevin
Kevin,
Thank you so much for the very informative, well written article and also the good video that you did…Your skills are many and we in Morristown are so fortunate to have You-such a dedicated and talented person.
Great article but you really could have left the last two paragraphs out. Mayor Giuliani was an incredible and passionate leader of NYC before, during, and after 9/11. That’s all that’s relevant to this article, otherwise great job. Never forget!
How sad that Rudy lost his mind and has become a human train wreck.
Trump has that effect on many.