Honor 9/11 Victims: Join the Inspiring Stair Climb at University Stadium!

On September 11, the University of New Mexico Reserve Officer Training Corps held a memorial stair climb to remember the 2,977 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks. This annual event, organized by the UNM Air Force ROTC, has been running for three years with help from the U.S. Army and Navy ROTC units at UNM and support from UNM Athletics.

This year was special. Local media covered the event for the first time. A chaplain offered an invocation, and a bugler played during the climb. Participants started at 6 a.m. and ascended and descended every flight of stairs in University Stadium—110 in total. They climbed the equivalent of the World Trade Center’s 110 stories to honor the New York City firefighters who died that day.

UNM senior Grace Romero shared her thoughts as she participated for the third year. She emphasized that the climb is not just about the physical act. It’s a way to remember those who sacrificed their lives. “It’s not just about when you do the stairs,” she said. “It’s the meaning behind it.”

For Air Force Technical Sgt. Emmette Bush, the climb symbolizes preserving the memory of those lost on 9/11. He recalled watching the news of the attacks in Okinawa, Japan. “People die two times,” he said. “Once when they leave this world and again when their name is spoken for the last time.” This remembrance keeps their legacy alive.

Bush also highlighted how different the world is now compared to before 9/11. “Being an American is about unity and caring for one another,” he said. “It’s a beautiful thing, despite our differences.”

Capt. Akajiaku Eluka, the 377th Air Base Wing chaplain, found inspiration in the resilience displayed by participants. He emphasized the importance of vigilance in protecting freedom. “Freedom is never free,” he noted, reminding everyone to stay alert.

A recent survey indicated that nearly 70% of Americans believe it’s vital to remember those lost on 9/11 each year. The stair climb serves as a powerful reminder of both personal and collective sacrifice, connecting generations through remembrance.

These memorials do more than honor the dead; they foster community and resilience. They encourage a spirit of togetherness, reminding us that, in difficult times, we can support each other. The climb at UNM is just one way folks can connect and remember the courage shown on that tragic day.

For more about 9/11 and its lasting effects, you can check out the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

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