Miller-Keystone Blood Center hosted the Tunnel to Towers Foundation July 16 and 17 to remember 9-11 and conduct a “never forget” blood drive to collect 343 units of blood in honor of the 343 New York City firefighters who perished on 9-11. The foundation brought its “9-11 Never Forget” mobile exhibit, which is driven throughout the nation by retired Plano, Texas, firefighter Billy Puckett. It appears at events, fairs and festivals, and visits schools.

Tunnel to Towers was formed in 2013 in memory of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller, who perished on 9-11 after responding to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Siller ran through the closed Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center to help his fellow firefighters combat the fires and destruction of that day. The foundation continues to support NYC firefighters and their families, as well as those who who have served in the military. They have raised over $250 million.

Retired NYC firefighters Robert Reeg and Edward Kennedy accompany the exhibit and relate their 9-11 experiences.

“The outpouring of love and affection was amazing after 9-11,” says Reeg, who suffered severe injuries when caught in the collapse of the South Tower. Kennedy drove their engine as they responded to the attack.

Officials from the Miller-Keystone Blood Center presented the foundation with a check for $1,500 during an opening ceremony July 16. Hanover Township Manager Jay Finnigan Jr. recognized the foundation saying, “This is a tribute to what good can come out of evil.”

Rami Nemeh, vice president and chief operating officer at Miller-Keystone noted the importance of the 9-11 blood drive, telling those in attendance that Miller-Keystone serves 32 hospitals.