Hundreds turn out for 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Next Monday marks 22 years since the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil.

Since that tragic day, Americans of all backgrounds have come together to memorialize those we have lost.

One of those traditions has been going strong for nine years here in Chattanooga.

Over 350 participants, representing at least 15 different agencies, came out to take part in the ninth annual 9-11 Chattanooga Memorial Stair Climb at AT&T Field.

One participant, Jerome Foster, said, “It’s great, it’s overwhelming, it’s really nice that this entire community came together.”

The event is held in memory of the hundreds of first responders that died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Participants, including numerous firefighters, climbing the stairs of AT&T Field during Monday’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

It is a fundraiser that raises money for local first responders.

One of the lead organizers, Mark Coffman, said, “Our thing is, we are remembering them, and it means a lot to them to these men and women here because they remember where they were at that day and how they felt, and this is their chance to give back and remember those who died that day.”

Participants climbed up and down the various sections of the baseball stadium, many in full firefighter gear.

Foster said, “It didn’t happen here, but it’s great to be we’re doing it here still to support you know everyone who passed away that day tragically.”

The stair climb holds a harrowed significance as Coffman says the stair climb honors, “The 343 plus that have died since then, that didn’t make it to the top of that building that day.”

Many of the participants were given names of the fallen to read out.

This would be followed up by the ringing of a bell in front of home plate.

Names of the fallen were also displayed on the ballpark’s video board.

Foster said, “Honestly I didn’t think it was going to feel how it felt but it felt great, once I grabbed this tag, they said you’re running for someone, but it didn’t really feel real until I rang that bell, it actually felt like I took some steps for them.”

If you were not able to make it out to the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Monday, you can still donate to their cause of supporting local first responders.