The state’s 9/11 Remembrance Foundation will honor 1st responders and military at 2 events this week.

• The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run-Walk will be at 7 pm Friday, Sept. 10, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St.

The race honors Stephen Siller, a New York firefighter who ran in 60 pounds of gear from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center— giving up his life to save others.

Hundreds of military, 1st responders and others will run from the Convention Center across the Gervais Street bridge, through West Columbia and Cayce, then back across the Blossom Street bridge to the starting point. Proceeds go to the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation to upgrade and build homes for disabled veterans and 1st responders.

• The 20th Anniversary 9/11 Morning of Remembrance” free program will be held at the 9/11 Remembrance Memorial at the Convention Center at 8 am Saturday.

“The ceremony will honor all heroes who were lost in the attacks of 9/11 and the actions we have taken to ensure that we always remember and never forget that tragic day,” said Dan Hennigan, chairman of the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation, a retired US Army veteran.

“We will also pay tribute to the 13 heroes who sacrificed their all in the recent events in Afghanistan,” he said.

“We will always remember their service.”

Henry Lewis of the SC EMS Association will be keynote speaker to recognize the men and women and their families who have given so much on behalf of others.

Joining Gov. Henry McMaster will be Gold and Blue Star Mothers, the 246th Army Band, the Blythewood High Choir, Dawn Yamashiro, a 9/11 family member, and others.

“The morning of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001 remains a critical point in American history and changed lives forever,” Hennigan said.

“Bells will toll and a moment of silence will be observed at the exact times of the attacks at the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA killing 2,976 people and injuring thousands more.

“A Roll Call of South Carolina’s Fallen Heroes will be provided by an Honor Guard, consisting of members of the Military Services and First Responders.”

Due to covid-19, space and seating is limited. CDC social distancing guidelines will be strictly upheld and face masks will be required.

Face masks will be available for those who do not have them.

The event will be broadcast on Facebook live @ SCRemembers911 and @ facebook.com/scremembers911/.

Sign language will be provided by the SC Interpreting Services for the Deaf.