Frank Siller to Receive Congressional Gold Medal for Supporting Veterans and First Responders via Tunnel to Towers

This bill, the Frank Siller Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially recognizes the massive impact of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation by awarding its founder, Frank Siller, the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow. The legislation is a direct nod to the work Siller has done since the 9/11 attacks, specifically in memory of his brother, Stephen, a firefighter who died while saving others at the Twin Towers. By awarding this medal, the government isn't just giving out a piece of jewelry; it is formally validating a massive support network that has spent years paying off mortgages for the families of fallen heroes and building custom smart homes for severely injured veterans. For anyone who has seen a Tunnel to Towers commercial or donated a few bucks a month, this bill is the official 'thank you' from the nation for that collective effort.

A Legacy Built from the Tunnel

The bill's findings (Section 2) highlight the heavy lifting Frank Siller has done over the last two decades. It points to his 2021 'Never Forget Walk'—a 255-mile trek from the Pentagon to Ground Zero—as a symbol of his commitment to keeping the memory of 9/11 alive. For the average person, this legislation serves as a reminder of the tangible help provided to neighbors: the Gold Star families who get to keep their homes after a tragedy and the homeless veterans who receive housing assistance. The bill specifically credits Siller's leadership for uniting millions of Americans under the simple mantra of 'Do Good,' turning a personal family tragedy into a national safety net for those in uniform.

Minting History You Can Own

Beyond the ceremony, there is a practical side to this bill that involves the U.S. Treasury. Section 3 and 4 authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal, but they also allow for the production of bronze duplicates. This means that while Frank Siller gets the gold original, the public will be able to buy bronze replicas. If you are a coin collector or someone who wants a piece of this history, you should know that the law requires these duplicates to be priced high enough to cover all production costs—including labor and materials—so the project doesn't end up costing taxpayers extra. Any money made from these sales goes right back into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to keep the lights on for future commemorative projects (Section 6).