Before sunrise on Sept. 28, 80 cadets from Brentwood High School’s NY-773 AFJROTC Fighting Falcons boarded buses to New York City to take part in the 23rd annual Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk. 

The event, organized by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honors FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who on Sept. 11, 2001, ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel carrying his gear to the World Trade Center, where he lost his life while saving others. Each year, thousands retrace his route from Brooklyn through the tunnel into Lower Manhattan in a tribute to first responders and service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

This year’s race drew more than 40,000 runners, joggers and walkers, along with more than 1,500 JROTC cadets from across the tri-state area. Brentwood’s cadets lined the course holding U.S. flags and banners bearing the names of fallen heroes. 

Throughout the morning, they cheered, clapped and high-fived participants as they ran in memory of those who gave their lives and in support of the next generation of defenders of the nation. 

Their participation reflected the AFJROTC’s core values of service, remembrance and community, and served as a reminder of the event’s message: “We will never forget.”