Communities Mark 25th 9/11 Anniversary with Tributes

Communities across the United States marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with ceremonies, tributes and memorial stair climbs honoring victims, survivors, military personnel, first responders and the 343 FDNY firefighters who died while responding. In Kansas City, the 16th annual stair climb drew hundreds from more than 20 states and 60 departments, with participants carrying the name or photograph of a fallen firefighter and ascending the equivalent of 110 World Trade Center stories in full gear. Similar climbs were held or scheduled in Savannah, Baltimore, Rochester, Canton and Colorado, where thousands were expected to participate and raise funds for firefighter-support organizations. Other events included ceremonies in Western Massachusetts, Putnam County and Sarasota; Baltimore’s First Responders Showcase; a September 12 parade and cookout in Ripley, West Virginia; and a Tennessee Valor Cup bringing veterans and first responders together. California first responders and their families were recognized during a Rose Bowl football game, while the Gary Sinise Foundation, Sunbelt Rentals and baseball player Paul Skenes presented a $41,266 grant for rescue equipment and education to a volunteer fire company near Pittsburgh. The events emphasized remembrance, community resilience, service and continued support for frontline responders and their families.