Richmond hosts annual: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond saw hundreds take to the stairs today to honor those who tragically lost their lives during 9/11.
On Saturday, Sept. 6 firefighters and residents climbed 2,200 steps at the Richmond Raceway to honor the over 300 first responders who lost their lives.
According to the Metro Richmond Flying Squad, 343 Fire Department of New York Firefighters were lost on 9/11, including 70 Law Enforcement Officers and 9 Emergency Medical Technicians.
Henrico County Fire Chief, Jackson Baynard shared with 8News that, "Today's event the 9/11 Stair Climb is one of the chances the fire service and first responder community and the public we all come together at one place to remember the sacrifices that were made 24 years ago on 9/11."
Annual Memorial Stair Climb: Photos courtesy of 8News William Berksteiner
Annual Memorial Stair Climb: Photos courtesy of 8News William Berksteiner
Baynard emphasizes that attendees can take a moment of quiet reflection before you climb to look to those to your left or right and share that quiet bond with one another.
Although 9/11 occured 2 years ago, there are still those dealing with the impacts of it decades down the line. " We still want to remember the firefighters and police officers that are still dying today from 9/11 related ilnesses or injuries," shared Baynard.
He stated that one of his personal friends up in New York who recently passed away this year, "It's still continuing on for these responders and their families and this is something small that we can do in our community to remember."
Annual Memorial Stair Climb: Photos courtesy of 8News William Berksteiner
Baynard recalls where he was the day the incident happened and the uncertainty that came with it. He also told 8news that the incident helped him solidity which career path he wanted to follow -- fire and ems.
"We have to know our history to know where we're going and also know what mistakes we made in our history," stated the Fire Chief.
Below are more photos from today's event:
Annual Memorial Stair Climb: Photos courtesy of 8News William Berksteiner
Annual Memorial Stair Climb: Photos courtesy of 8News William Berksteiner
Annual Memorial Stair Climb: Photos courtesy of 8News William Berksteiner
