Firefighters Run 34.3 Miles to Honor 343 FDNY Members Lost on 9/11

The 34.3 Mile Run for Remembrance

• 🎗️ Firefighters are undertaking a 34.3-mile run from Long Island to the World Trade Center to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.
• 🎯 The run specifically honors the 343 members of the FDNY who died on that day.
• 🗓️ This marks the fifth year of the run, initiated by firefighter Eton Blat.

The 343 is a Sacred Number

• 🕯️ The number 343 represents the total number of FDNY members who perished on September 11th.
• 🏃 Eton Blat's personal goal is to run 34.3 miles in one go to honor this significant number.

The 34.3 Foundation

• 🤝 The run has evolved into the 34.3 Foundation, which provides financial support to firefighter families in need.
• ⚠️ The foundation aims to help families who may face reduced benefits or loss of pension after a firefighter's death, especially off-duty.

Honoring Sacrifice and Memory

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The event draws participation from FDNY members, including grandsons of fallen heroes like Ray Downey, who died on 9/11.
• 🧠 Younger FDNY members, many born after 9/11, participate to keep the memory alive and honor the sacrifices made.
• 📣 The mission includes reminding the public to never forget the events and the heroes of 9/11.

Supporting the Cause

• 📍 Participants expect to arrive at the memorial pools at Ground Zero by mid-afternoon to reflect.
• 💻 A link to contribute to the 34.3 Foundation is available on the ABC7NY website.