The 9/11 Tribute Center was invited to throw the first pitch at Mets Citi Field, in honor of all those lost on September 11, 2001. The ceremony began with the National Anthem by Alyssa Curcio, representing Tuesday's Children, followed by the presentation of a seedling from the Survivor Tree, rescued from the 9/11 attacks and nursed back to health. President of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Joe Daniels, explained the Survivor Tree Seedling Program with students from the John Bowne Agricultural High School in Flushing, Queens, NY. 

Immediately after the ceremony, President and Co-founder of the 9/11 Tribute Center, Lee Ielpi, threw the first pitch. During the game, Lee was interviewed, on the events of 9/11, educating about terrorism, and paying tribute to the many lives taken due to the attacks. Lee Ielpi commented, "My son, my best friend, was murdered on 9/11 along with about 80 to 100 friends from the Fire Department, but hatred caused this. I have to get passed that to do something positive. Not only in my son's name, but in the name of all the people that died on 9/11 whether it was here or in Shanksville or the Pentagon. We have a choice in life and the choice is simple, make tomorrow better and especially for our little people," as the granddaughter he held continued watching the Mets play. 

You can watch the pre-game ceremony just before the game here: http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?topic_id=6479266&content_id=30539039

See a tribute to 9/11 and a clip of Lee Ielpi's interview here: http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?topic_id=6479266&content_id=30540901

Employees from companies affected by the terrorist attacks of 9/11 came together to remember their friends and colleagues and to celebrate the spirit of community on September 26, 2013. 600 volunteers joined the 9/11 Tribute Center, assembling 400 bicycles for children of active military in observance of the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. The special event, held in partnership with the USO, was at the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue.

This is the fifth consecutive year the 9/11 Tribute Center has held a service event for the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. Jennifer Adams, CEO, said, "9/11 Tribute Center volunteers share their personal stories every day at the 9/11 Memorial, providing memorable, impactful tours for the visiting public. Organizing today's event for a broader range of volunteers, who are survivors and who lost colleagues on September 11, 2001, shares the spirit of remembering 9/11 in a positive way, and allows them to give back to our military and their families."

Special guests attended, such as Greg Kelly from FOX 5 News, FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano and FDNY Chief of Department Edward Kilduff. Volunteers from companies affected by 9/11 assembled bikes including BNY Mellon, American Express, AON, Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft, Deutsche Bank, HBO, Marsh & McLennan, Morgan Stanley, Pitta & Giblin LLP, Sandler O'Neill Partners, and Zurich. In addition to the bikes, children received helmets to ensure that they are safely able to enjoy their new bikes. BNY Mellon is the presenting Chief Executive Leadership Sponsor.

"Whether they're deployed or transitioning back into civilian life, our troops need to know that their families are being taken care of so they can focus on their work at hand. BNY Mellon is committed to supporting both active and returning military personnel and is proud to join with the USO and the 9/11 Tribute Center to give back to local military families," said Daisey Holmes, Managing Director of Corporate Affairs at BNY Mellon. "The fact that so many of our employees volunteer for this event year after year demonstrates the deep commitment our company has for this cause and how much we appreciate everything our troops do to support our country."

Each bike was inspected for safety, decorated with ribbons and bore a note to each child in appreciation for their parents' service. The project is a team-building and inspirational experience for volunteers to give back to our country in support of the US military. Army members from Fort Hamilton helped volunteers assemble bikes. Bikes were distributed to military families at Fort Hamilton, NY and to Naval Station Norfolk, VA including families of the crews of the USS NEW YORK and USS ARLINGTON. Both ships were commissioned and named in memory of the attacks of 9/11.

Special thanks to the following companies and departments that donated services and equipment: Bobby Cerchione, Apex Xpress Inc., FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, and US Army from Fort Hamilton, NY.

Check our Facebook for a photo album covering the event, available now at https://www.facebook.com/pages/911-Tribute-Center/46813707682

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation was started in honor of Stephen Siller, an FDNY firefighter and father of five children, who was on his way to play golf with his brothers on September 11, 2001. Siller turned his truck towards the World Trade Center immediately after hearing of the first attack. Upon reaching the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel and seeing it had already closed, he ran through the tunnel to the Twin Towers wearing 60+ pounds of gear. He was last seen helping others escape the World Trade Center. The Siller family created the Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation to honor Stephen's legacy and follow in his footsteps by supporting military members who have been seriously injured in the line of duty.  

The nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring first responders and military service personnel, was proud to unveil the country's first 9/11 mobile museum for this year's September 11th anniversary. The 53 ft. mobile museum contained artifacts donated by FDNY firehouses and graphics, photos, and imagery from the 9/11 Tribute Center, as shown in the panels to the left.

The mobile museum included an audio recording of the last known FDNY radio transmission, pieces of the World Trade Center fa�ade, a small rendition of a bronze sculpture of Stephen Siller and pictures of his fire truck taken at the World Trade Center site.

Lisa Bender, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Assistant Regional Director said, "This unique museum brings the events of 9/11 plus the heroic service and sacrifices of first responders to all of America, to all Americans. A visit to the museum offers the important opportunity for all in the Triangle area to reflect upon the heroism and lessons of 9/11; this is an outstanding "teachable moment" when families can open the discussion about such events and our opportunities to do good each and every day."