For people all across the nation each year, Sept. 11 is about remembering.
“Memories of today are both good and bad,” said Bill Ingram, fire marshal for the New York City Fire Department.
This is especially true for those who were there.
“Obviously there are horrific memories that I would never want to relive again,” Ingram said. “But the outpouring of support from the country and then seeing it here locally… is so important.”
The seventh annual National Fallen Firefighters Rochester NY Stair Climb and Walk aims to show that support and keep the memories of those who were lost alive.
“Those that were still searching, those that were trying to fight the fires are the ones we lost and that was 343,” said Ingram.
“The 343 is what today is all about,” said Jack Gligora, coordinator for the Rochester NY National Fallen Firefighters Stair Climb and Walk. “We always say, like I said, never forget. And this is one way we’re hoping that Rochester never forgets what happened.”
It’s an effort that means a lot to those who served and continue to serve.
“These are sad reminders but it’s also a celebration of their lives as well,” Ingram said.
Each participant received an ID card from one of the 343 firefighters who died on Sept. 11 and the number of stairs climbed are related to the 110 stories of the World Trade Center that they had to climb.
“A lot of the kids growing up going through school, they learn about it in their textbooks,” Gligora said. “But what better way for them to actually learn about it is to hear and see what’s going on.”
Those taking part understand the importance of educating today’s youth about that day and, just as importantly, how the nation grew closer together in response.
“Sept. 11 is one thing, but [on] Sept. 12 the world came together,” Gligora said. “They were in awe. They were in disbelief. You know, where were you when that happened? Everybody has their story. I know I do.”
“This is way bigger than New York City and even bigger than the state,” Ingram said. “It’s really about us as a people.”
