Stair Climbers Honor 9/11 Fallen at Discovery Park

UNION CITY (September 5) — First responders and community members gathered at Discovery Park of America Saturday morning for the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, commemorating the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The Union City Fire Department partnered with Discovery Park to host the observance at Cooper Tower. Organizers announced before the event that a record 72 climbers had registered to participate.

Each participant climbed the tower’s staircase 10 times, representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. The climb was held as a memorial rather than a timed race.

Climbers carried identification badges bearing photographs of first responders who died during the attacks. Posters and encouraging messages created by local students lined the tower’s stairwell as participants completed the tribute.

The event began with a memorial ceremony honoring those who lost their lives and those who responded when the nation was attacked. Participants included active and retired firefighters, law enforcement officers, military personnel, emergency medical workers and other first responders. Members of the public also participated in memory of loved ones who served in those roles.

The Discovery Park climb was part of a larger tradition of memorial stair climbs held throughout the country. According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the events honor the 343 New York City firefighters who died on Sept. 11 as well as firefighters who later died from illnesses connected to their service at the attack sites.

The annual Union City event provided participants and spectators an opportunity to remember the lives lost while recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those who answered the call.