9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Completed By Firefighter Recruits

FAIRFAX, VA — Americans will be remembering the victims and first responder heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in many ways during the 20th anniversary on Saturday. For firefighters, one of the most meaningful ways to pay tribute to the fallen New York City firefighters is a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb involves firefighters in their gear walking the equivalent of 110 stories, the number of floors at the World Trade Center that firefighters would climb to make rescues on 9/11. The climbs honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who died at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Fairfax County's 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb happened Friday morning at the Fairfax County Fire And Rescue Academy. Recruits were told to remember the firefighters who made the sacrifice and ultimately realized they wouldn't be going home to their families. Each recruit carried a copy of a poster showing photos of those who died.

The events of 9/11 hit close to home, since Fairfax County firefighters were among the first responders who responded to the attack on the Pentagon. A Fairfax County 9/11 remembrance ceremony will be held Saturday at the Bailey's Crossroads fire station, one of the responding stations to 9/11. The public is encouraged to tune in online.

SEE ALSO:

• D.C. Police Officer Recalls Recovering Bodies On 9/11 At Pentagon
• 9-11 Remembered: A Day That Changed DC, NoVA And The World
• Arlington Remembers Lives Lost 20 Years After Attack On Pentagon