A Journey of Loss and Legacy: Remembering September 11

Life can change suddenly. For Frank Siller, that change came on September 11, 2001. On that tragic day, a call confirmed what he feared: his brother Stephen was not coming home. Stephen, a firefighter, was among the many who perished at Ground Zero.

Frank spent that night trying to reach Stephen, hoping against hope that his brother might have made it to safety. It was a futile effort. The family gathered at Frank’s home, watching the news in shock. New York City, their home, was under attack.

While supporting his family, Frank’s phone rang with a call from a neighbor and fellow firefighter, Richie Obermeyer. Richie was at the Twin Towers site, which would soon be called Ground Zero.

“No one is coming home,” Richie said quietly.

These words, though expected, hit hard. Frank shared the news with his family. Their grief was profound. Stephen, a beloved brother, father, and husband, was gone. He left behind his wife, Sally, and their five children.

Stephen’s heroism was inspiring. He turned around after finishing his shift to help at the firehouse, joining the countless first responders working to save lives. His courage emphasized his commitment to doing good, a principle he lived by.

Inspired by Stephen’s life, the Siller family founded the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This organization, named in his memory, aims to honor America’s heroes. The foundation supports those who continue Stephen’s mission of service.

Frank Siller’s new book, “Let Us Do Good,” reflects on his brother’s legacy and the work of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Through this endeavor, Stephen’s mission of doing good lives on.