3 Heroes From 9/11 Sign Ground Zero Flag In Chester To Benefit 9/11 Charity

CHESTER, NJ — When terrorists attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, there were three men who made a difference the day of and following those attacks, who have now signed a flag that was flown over Ground Zero, to raise money for one of the 9/11 charities founded after that harrowing day.

Will Jimeno is a retired Port Authority Police Officer and Chester resident who was trapped under the rubble of the fallen World Trade Center for 13 hours. He continues to help others as a result of his experiences.

Frank Siller founded the Tunnel To Towers Foundation, which was started in memory of all those lost and namely his brother Steven, who was a New York City firefighter known for running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with 60 pounds of gear on his back to the World Trade Center, after the tunnel was shut down.

Jon Rybkiewicz is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served with the 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit, one of the first who faced danger in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. He owns The Maple Shop in Chester, along with a farm in Vermont, with his wife Melissa.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, Jimeno, Siller and Rybkiewicz, who have all signed the flag, have dedicated their lives to remembering those lost and helping others.

The flag is up for silent auction through Sunday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m., with the minimum bid $5,000.

Proceeds from the auction’s highest bid will go to Tunnel To Towers, which builds or gives away homes and pays off mortgages for those who lost loved ones in the military; or to those were first responders or veterans injured while serving.

The winner of the auction will be given the flag after payment is made in full by cash, credit or Venmo.

Click here for full auction details and rules; and to find out how to place a bid.

RELATED: Tunnel To Towers 9/11 Walk Heads Through Chester, Mendham

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.