FORT RUCKER, Ala. (WDNews) — Fort Rucker will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with two memorial events honoring the 343 New York City firefighters who died that day.
According to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker Public Affairs Office, the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held Friday, Sept. 4, at 8 a.m. at Building 5700, the CW4 Michael J. Novosel Soldier Service Center.
The noncompetitive event will serve as a living tribute. Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories, or 2,200 steps, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers and symbolically completing the journey of the fallen firefighters.
Setup and participant arrival will begin at 8 a.m. The climb will begin at 8:46 a.m., marking the time the first aircraft struck the North Tower.
The climb is scheduled to end at 9:59 a.m., commemorating the time the South Tower collapsed.
Fort Rucker Fire Department will also hold a Moving Tribute on Friday, Sept. 11, beginning at 8 a.m. at Fire Station 1.
Ozark Mayor Charles Ward will serve as guest speaker during the formal portion of the event. The moving tribute will begin at 8:30 a.m. alongside a fire engine.
Participants will complete a 2.33-mile walk through the main post honoring those who died in the attacks.
According to Fort Rucker, the event will provide “a solemn opportunity for first responders, Soldiers, and the local community to reflect and pay their respects.”
