What is the CNY Memorial Stair Climb?
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The CNY Memorial Stair Climb is not a race, but rather a tribute honoring the sacrifices of fallen heroes - both near and far.
Fulfilling a promise to "NEVER FORGET" their brothers and sisters who have died in the line of duty, 343 firefighters, 70 law enforcement officers and 8 EMTs (the number of firefighters/law enforcement/EMTs that perished at Ground Zero with the collapse of the Twin Towers) climb 110 floors (the height of the former World Trade Center Twin Towers). Most climbers wear their personal protective equipment. ALL climbers wear the name and picture of a hero they are climbing in the memory of. |
"We climb because they climbed"
On the morning of September 11, 2001 thousands of New York's Bravest and Finest responded to the terrorist attacks in order to perform the largest rescue and high-rise firefighting operation in history.
Upon their arrival firefighters climbed the stairs of the 110 story buildings in their forty to sixty pounds of personal protective gear PLUS twenty to thirty pounds of additional firefighting equipment.
Law Enforcement Officers were right there beside them.
The most poignant connection to their story occurs when we climb because they climbed.
Witnessing the event provides spectators (family, friends and the general public) both an inspiring experience and intense reminder of the sacrifice, dedication and commitment required of those who serve and protect their communities around the world. For those unable to attend in person, a live video feed will be broadcast during the entire event from opening ceremonies to the final accountability tag being hung.
Upon their arrival firefighters climbed the stairs of the 110 story buildings in their forty to sixty pounds of personal protective gear PLUS twenty to thirty pounds of additional firefighting equipment.
Law Enforcement Officers were right there beside them.
The most poignant connection to their story occurs when we climb because they climbed.
Witnessing the event provides spectators (family, friends and the general public) both an inspiring experience and intense reminder of the sacrifice, dedication and commitment required of those who serve and protect their communities around the world. For those unable to attend in person, a live video feed will be broadcast during the entire event from opening ceremonies to the final accountability tag being hung.
A Tribute Full of Symbolism
Our event features numerous symbolic elements.
- Choreographed to 9/11--The climb begins with a brief memorial ceremony and acknowledgment of sponsors at 8:35am. At 8:45am, a moment of silence is observed and at 8:46am the bagpipers and drummers will escort the first wave of climbers into the stairwell marking the time that Flight 11 hit the North Tower. Additional actions such as TAPS, activation of SCBA Pass Alarms and other items mark other significant points that occurred that day.
- Tables of Honor--Prominently displayed the week before and leading up the climb in the building lobby, the Table of Honor has its origins as a military tradition. The table has been adapted to include specific elements for fire department, law enforcement and EMS with a "place setting" to recognize the sacrifices of firefighters, law enforcement and EMS killed in the line of duty .
- Bell Ceremony--a fire service tradition, the climber strikes a bell to honor the fallen responder they are climbing for.
- Accountability Board--Each climber will be wearing two ID tags that represents one of the 9/11 responders. At the conclusion of the climb, they will keep one tag and hang the other one on the custom board made to help honor the fallen.
- Group Photo--There will be a group photo at the begining with all climbers promptly at 8:25 am. The climbers will also have an opportunity to take group photographs following the climb with friends and family.
- Photo Booth-- There will be a location through out the climb that you will be able to take group photos of your pals, partners and others you are climbing with. This booth also will allow you to upload the photos you took immediately to social media and our website.
- Video Journal-- During and after the climb, there will be numerous opportunities to record your story of why you climb. Each participant will be offered the chance to give their personal reason why they climbed in honor of those first responders.
- High Rise Pack-- A 50' length of 2 1/2" hose is laid out in the registration area where the names of the fallen responders are written on it. The climbers and volunteers are then offered a chance to place their names on it as well. Before the climb starts, the hose is then folded into a hotel pack and carried into the stairwell with the first group. It stays in the stairwell until the last climber exits. After the event, the hose is then placed on a plaque and returned to the Fire Department who donated the hose and asked to display it proudly to show they will 'Never Forget'.