This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, in which 19 terrorists hijacked four U.S. commercial airliners on the east coast. The deadliest terrorist attacks in human history, 2,977 died from the initial events, with thousands more dying in later days, months and years due to complications from toxic exposure at the site.
There are numerous memorials and remembrances that occur worldwide each year, ranging from moments of silence to honor victims and first responders to museum exhibits, American flag displays, parades and other Patriot Day programming.
Right here in Oklahoma, many firefighters, police officers and other first responders participate in the 9/11 Stair Climb. This event, which also welcomes members of the military, bomb squad personnel, first responders and civilians, invites participants to come together to walk or climb the equivalent of 2,200 steps or 110 stories –the same amount in the World Trade Center. This act is often done in full firefighter gear or other first responder uniforms to both commemorate the heroes of the event and to raise money for local and national charities.
Edmond Police and Fire Departments will host once such 9/11 Stair Climb at the Edmond North High School football stadium on Patriot Day – Sept. 11.
“We started it on the twentieth anniversary in 2021, so this September will be our fourth year,” says Emily Ward, the public information specialist with the Edmond Police Department. “Police do a 5K around the track in their full uniform. Fire does a stair climb on the bleachers in their full gear.”
If you don’t feel confident in taking the task on, you’re still invited to join in the commemorative activities.
“It’s open and free for anyone to come and participate in the run or stair climb,” says Ward. “But people are also welcome to come and cheer on those who are participating.”
Tulsa will also be hosting a Stair Climb, its eighth year running. Started in 2017 by the Tulsa International Association of Fire Fighters Local 176, the event was created not only to commemorate the sacrifices made that day, but also to raise money for Hydrants of Hope, a local charity organization with an important backstory.
“Hydrants of Hope was started by a Tulsa firefighter Mark Meyer who, when diagnosed with cancer in 2012, wanted to do something to help families of children facing cancer,” says Matthew Lay, president of Tulsa IAFF Local 176. “All proceeds from the organization go to help pay for travel, treatment, prescriptions or any other items needed to help battle pediatric cancer. All Oklahomans are welcome to come out and watch, support and commemorate.”
In the 23 years since the event, millions of dollars have been raised for fallen first responders and victims throughout the nation. This year’s effort hopes to continue that tradition as we approach nearly twenty-five years since that fateful day.
