On Sept. 28, Cardozo’s NJROTC program participated in the annual Tunnels to Towers 5k Run & Walk. Whether students were participating by running in the event or cheering on those who ran, Cardozo’s cadets kept the energy and spirit level high.
The annual Tunnels to Towers event happens to honor the legacy of the first responders and civilians that lost their lives during the tragic attacks on Sept. 11. This event is a charity to raise money for mortgage free homes for families who were involved in 9/11 and to get homeless veterans off the streets.
The foundation was created by Frank Siller, the brother of first responder Stephen Siller, who strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and ran on foot through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers on 9/11. Frank Siller is the chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers and stays committed to honoring the brave people who passed away and supports their families.
Over 50,000 people register for the 5k annually. The organization’s website highlights its significance. The foundation writes, “Since 2,977 people lost their lives on 9/11, many more have died from World Trade Center-related illness and the War on Terror. The Foundation honors Stephen’s legacy of courage every day. It carries on its mission to ‘do good’ and honor America’s greatest heroes and their families with young children.”
During the trip, NJROTC cadets held banners with fallen service members’ names. Some of the cadets also ran the 5k, as well. Alongside me running were Riddhi Chauhan, Yeju Lee, Lynora Brown, Mica Ji, Morgan Chiu, and Georgia Katsanos.
Naval Science instructor, Chief Chen, felt the trip was memorable and important for cadets. “I think that event was significant because it shows that we’re honoring their sacrifice,” he said. “You know we always say never forget, this is our way of not forgetting. By holding a banner of those who have fallen. We have respect for the family members who are supporting the event.”
“The first year that they started doing this they had only 1,000 runners. The event this year had around 40,000,” Chief Chen reflected. “We saw some runners come up to the banner and recognize some of the names of the people that they either served with or family members and they posed for a picture.”
While Cardozo has been attending Tunnel to Towers since 2023, for many students, it was their first NJROTC event. First year cadets in the program shared their experiences at Tunnels to Towers.
“I think Tunnels to Towers was really fun and also a great way to honor those who have made the sacrifice. What I really liked most about it was how me and my fellow friends cheered on those who were running the 5K.”, one cadet explained.
The tragic event of 9/11 impacted millions of Americans to this day. Some cadets have been attending since Cardozo began coming to the run. Cardozo NJROTC’s Commanding Officer, Riddhi Chauhan, shared her experience after running the 5k, having gone to support the cause in previous years.
“I really enjoyed the run. It honors the sacrifice of those who protected and served. I would recommend 10/10. I think it’s a great opportunity and it helps you and your organization,” Chauhan said.
The NJROTC program has plans to attend the Tunnel to Towers event for years to come. Whether it’s running or cheering, cadets can be seen on the sidelines, honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
