CitiQuiet’s 25-Year Commitment to Honoring the Legacy of 9/11

Quiet Service, Patriotism, and Legacy.

Nearly 25 years after 9/11, the memories remain vivid for millions of Americans. For some, the connection lasted far beyond that day. For Michael Lentin and the team at CitiQuiet, the commitment to helping communities rebuild, honor first responders, and support veterans became a lifelong mission.

What began as immediate response work in the days following the attacks – repairing and replacing windows in buildings surrounding Ground Zero – grew into a lifelong commitment to honoring the heroes, families, and communities forever changed by 9/11.

As the 25-year anniversary approaches, CitiQuiet’s story is ultimately one of quiet service, unwavering patriotism, and a belief that the legacy of 9/11 must never fade. Their message is simple but powerful: we cannot forget those who were lost, those who served, and the responsibility we all share to honor them for generations to come.

We Can’t Stay Quiet

The story began immediately following the attacks on September 11, 2001. In the days after the tragedy, CitiQuiet was contracted to repair, replace, and install interior windows at buildings heavily impacted by the attacks and their aftermath. The work focused on improving noise reduction and air infiltration concerns at key locations near Ground Zero, including 2 Broadway, home to MTA offices located just east of the Twin Towers, and 90 Church Street, a federal building situated just north of the site.

What started as a response effort quickly evolved into decades of involvement supporting the heroes, families, and communities forever changed by 9/11.

A 25-Year Partnership with Tunnel to Towers

In 2012, following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, CitiQuiet donated both labor and materials to help the Tunnel to Towers Foundation repair homes destroyed throughout Staten Island and Brooklyn. That same year, our founder and CEO Michael was invited to join the Tunnel to Towers board, further deepening his commitment to the organization’s mission.

Over the years, Michael has helped raise an estimated $6 million through fundraising events and charitable initiatives benefiting veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families.

CitiQuiet’s support has extended well beyond fundraising. The company donated windows for the Tunnel to Towers daycare center in Staten Island, as well as for the organization’s veterans’ offices. Today, Michael is actively involved in managing the construction project for the foundation’s new Staten Island headquarters alongside their construction leadership team, with CitiQuiet once again providing and installing the windows.

Carrying the Story Across America

Michael’s dedication has also extended nationwide through fundraising efforts, speaking engagements, and participation in initiatives like “Steel Across America,” helping ensure the stories and sacrifices connected to 9/11 continue to be shared with future generations. Whether speaking at memorial sites or supporting new housing for veterans, his mission has remained the same: remembrance must lead to action.

As part of the foundation’s ongoing mission to honor the legacy of 9/11, Michael has also participated in “Steel Across America,” a national initiative sharing the story and sacrifice connected to the attacks. Through the program, he has spoken at meaningful locations including the Navy SEAL Museum and the Flight 93 National Memorial.

In the coming months, he is expected to speak at additional landmark locations, including the United States Military Academy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and the National Medal of Honor Museum.

Michael also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new veterans village in Island Park, continuing his dedication to initiatives supporting veterans and their families.

Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future

Through an enduring partnership with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, CitiQuiet has supported rebuilding efforts, veterans initiatives, and programs benefiting first responders and Gold Star families. From donating labor and materials after Superstorm Sandy to contributing windows for veterans facilities and the foundation’s new headquarters, the company’s involvement has always been rooted in service rather than recognition.

For Michael, this work has been about making sure the stories, sacrifices, and lessons of 9/11 are never forgotten.

As the 25-year anniversary approaches, that message feels more important than ever. “We can’t stay quiet. We can’t forget.”

Those words represent not only remembrance, but the nation’s responsibility to honor those lost, support those who served, and ensure future generations understand the lasting impact of September 11th.

For 25 years, CitiQuiet has quietly supported rebuilding efforts, veterans initiatives, and organizations like Tunnel to Towers. Now, as the nation reflects on this milestone anniversary, Michael hopes to continue sharing that message across the country: remembrance matters, service matters, and the legacy of 9/11 must never fade.