Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives on U.S. soil. In a moving tribute to the brave first responders who rushed to the scene, cadets from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps will gather at Daytona International Speedway for a memorial stair climb.
Local cadets lead the climb
The event, organized by the university’s Army, Air Force and Navy ROTC programs, will see between 600 and 700 participants scaling 2,100 stairs. The number of steps mirrors the approximate stair count that firefighters ascended inside the World Trade Center towers on that fateful morning.
Why the climb matters
Embry‑Riddle’s ROTC leadership says the climb serves two purposes: honoring the sacrifice of those who answered the call on Sept. 11, and reinforcing the values of service, duty and faith that underpin both military training and the Christian tradition of caring for one’s neighbor. “We want our fellow students, families and community members to remember the courage of those first responders,” said a senior cadet who helped plan the event.
Community participation
The early‑morning climb begins at 5:30 a.m., inviting not only cadets but also local veterans, firefighters, police officers and residents who wish to pay their respects. Organizers have arranged water stations and a brief prayer service at the finish line, underscoring the event’s blend of patriotism and faith‑based gratitude.
Connecting past and present
By replicating the stair count, participants gain a tangible sense of the physical challenge faced by the heroes who raced upward that day. “Each step is a reminder of the bravery and self‑lessness that defined our nation’s response,” the cadet added.
Looking ahead
Embry‑Riddle plans to make the memorial climb an annual tradition, ensuring that future generations of cadets and community members continue to honor the legacy of Sept. 11 first responders. The university hopes the event will inspire other schools and organizations across Florida to create similar tributes that blend service, faith and remembrance.
For those interested in joining next year’s climb or learning more about Embry‑Riddle’s ROTC programs, contact the university’s Office of Military Affairs.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
