Universities Hold 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs, Runs
Universities Hold 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs, Runs
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Key Points
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At Liberty University, participants watched a testimony about six firefighters who stayed with 59-year-old Josephine Harris on the 20th floor of the North Tower after she was too injured and exhausted to escape, despite her urging them to save themselves.
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Liberty Army ROTC cadet Timothy Grabinski said the event demonstrated the courage and sacrifice of the firefighters who entered the towers without knowing whether they would return, while more than 300 cadets from the Army and Air Force ROTC programs took part before sunrise.
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The Illinois student participants included fire-department cadets who train for several hours each week in life-saving techniques; Zander Nicola also ran an additional mile honoring the victims after completing the simulated stair climb.
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Saginaw Valley State University organizers said proceeds from the 5-kilometer Heroes Run went to the Great Lakes Bay Veteran Coalition and the Travis Manion Foundation, which support veterans and families of fallen service members.
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The University of Nebraska Omaha event was organized by Student Veterans of America and Campus Recreation, and Omaha firefighters both spoke with participants and allowed some of them to try on firefighting gear.
Across the country, universities and military cadets honored the 9/11 attacks with memorial stair climbs and runs on the 25th anniversary. Participants at schools in Nebraska, Illinois, and Virginia completed simulated 110-story climbs—about 2,200 steps—to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed and the firefighters, police officers, and rescuers who died saving others. Parkland Talk reported that Liberty University drew more than 300 Army and Air Force ROTC cadets, while other schools combined the tribute with fundraising for veterans.
The events went beyond symbolic climbs. At the University of Nebraska Omaha, firefighters spoke with participants and let some try on gear. Parkland Talk noted that Saginaw Valley State University's 5-kilometer run raised money for the Great Lakes Bay Veteran Coalition and the Travis Manion Foundation, which support veterans and families of fallen service members.
Liberty Cadets Remember Six Firefighters' Final Act
At Liberty University, participants heard a powerful story before the climb began. Six firefighters stayed with Josephine Harris, a 59-year-old woman trapped on the 20th floor of the North Tower, even after she urged them to save themselves. Parkland Talk reported that this testimony moved the more than 300 Army and Air Force ROTC cadets who gathered before sunrise to complete the memorial climb.
Army ROTC cadet Timothy Grabinski said the event showed the courage of firefighters who entered the towers without knowing if they would come back out. The cadets' early-morning participation highlighted the willingness of military personnel to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice 25 years ago.
Illinois Fire Cadets Add Extra Mile to Their Tribute
In Illinois, fire-department cadets joined students for the stair climb. These trainees spend several hours each week learning life-saving techniques. Student Zander Nicola went further than most—after finishing the simulated 110-story climb, he ran an additional mile to honor the victims.
Omaha Firefighters Connect With Student Veterans
At the University of Nebraska Omaha, the event brought the community together. Omaha firefighters spoke directly with participants and allowed some to try on firefighting gear. Parkland Talk reported that organizers saw greater interest this year compared to the previous year, suggesting growing engagement with the memorial.
The Student Veterans of America and Campus Recreation organized the event, creating a space where current military-connected students could honor the service and sacrifice of first responders. This hands-on approach helped participants understand the real demands faced by firefighters on 9/11.
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