Arizona Beverages releases new drink in honour of 9/11 firefighter
A drinks company has released a new soda in honour of a firefighter who died during the 9/11 attacks.
Stephen Siller had been on his way to play golf when he got the call that a plane had hit the World Trade Center on 11 September 2001.
A tribute to the dedicated firefighter, who was just 34, tells how he called his wife before heading back to the station to get his gear. He would not survive.
Now, as the US marks 24 years since the tragedy that changed the course of history, Arizona Beverages has released a new drink to help raise funds and awareness for the firefighters who gave their lives trying to protect people.
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Tunnel to Towers was founded in Stephen's memory as part of this effort, and Arizona Beverages is supporting the organisation with a Chocolate Egg Cream Soda.
Arizona Beverages founder Don Vultaggio said in a statement: "Tunnel to Towers represents everything we love about this country: courage, sacrifice, and community.
"We feel a deep responsibility to honor the men and women who protect [this country]. This collaboration is our way of showing gratitude and support for the families of our heroes."
Stephen's brother Frank Siller is the chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers, and said that the soda is a link to his brother's roots in Brooklyn.
"We're honored to partner with Arizona on this special Chocolate Egg Cream Soda, which pays tribute to a beloved Brooklyn tradition that my brother Stephen would have appreciated," Siller said.
"Arizona's commitment to supporting fallen first responder families through this partnership allows us to continue Stephen's legacy of service while honoring the flavors and memories that make New York special."
Tunnel to Towers Foundation works to provide mortgage free homes to the families and loved ones of first responders who were killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center.
The organisation also provides support to veterans and first responders who have suffered life changing injuries in the line of duty.
A portion of the proceeds from the new release will go towards the organisation.
Stephen is described in a memorial as loving sports‚ reading‚ talking‚ and watching the Mets.
The devoted husband was also the father of five children.
Stephen was one of 343 New York Fire Department firefighters who was killed during the September 11 attacks, with nearly 3,000 people dying in total.
The attacks had a profound and lasting impact around the globe, with President George Bush launching the war in Afghanistan in the aftermath in 2001, and invading Iraq in 2003.
Words by Kit Roberts
The FOODbible Team