On Monday morning, a poignant gathering of over 1,400 individuals took part in the Red Rocks 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Among the participants were numerous firefighters, some donned in their full gear, as a heartfelt tribute to those who tragically lost their lives 22 years ago. The Red Rocks Stair Climb serves as a dual-purpose event, paying homage not only to the victims of the World Trade Center towers in New York City but also providing support to the families of local firefighters who have endured such profound loss.
Ken Tillis, representing Foothills Fire and Rescue, emphasized the importance of showing respect and ensuring that the memory of that fateful day is never forgotten. He remarked, “We’ve got to show our respect, we’ve got to remember, and we must persevere.”
Each participant in the Red Rocks event commemorates an FDNY firefighter by undertaking a challenging climb equivalent to the 110 stories of the World Trade Center, symbolizing their resilience and commitment.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, claimed nearly 3,000 lives when four planes were hijacked by individuals associated with the Al Qaeda terrorist group. Two of these planes were deliberately flown into the iconic Twin Towers in New York City, while another targeted the Pentagon. In a remarkable display of courage and determination, passengers aboard the fourth aircraft fought back, resulting in the plane crashing into an open field in Pennsylvania, preventing further devastation and loss of innocent lives. This heroic act marked the only instance where a hijacked plane failed to reach its intended target.