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The University of Georgia is commemorating the 24th anniversary of the World Trade Center 9/11 attacks with its second annual memorial stair ascent.

Following its initial year, the occasion organized by UGA Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC attracted approximately 150 cadets along with members from the Athens-Clarke County Fire and Police departments, Oconee County Fire Rescue, and the UGA Police Department at Sanford Stadium. The coordinators anticipate that overall participation will keep increasing.

To pay tribute to the 110 stories that first responders ascended in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, participants climbed the 120 steps in the stadium 19 times, beginning at 6 a.m.

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The challenging ascent signifies various meanings to the individuals who participate, yet all involved concur that it is a minor gesture to honor those who gave everything. Some ROTC members opted to increase the difficulty of the ascent this year by carrying 35-pound rucks, a tribute to the burden carried by first responders on 9/11. Numerous firefighters taking part also don full turnout gear.

The climb commenced with a brief address from Greg Trevor, UGA public safety communications and outreach coordinator and 9/11 survivor, who discussed the event and his personal experience.

Reasons for Climbing

Ryan Fagan was not born during the 9/11 attacks. However, he still acknowledges the significance of this event and the history surrounding it as he takes part.

“This involves rising a bit earlier, sacrificing some rest to commemorate extraordinary acts of altruism and personal bravery,” he stated. “As I ascend those steps annually, I cannot help but reflect on the courageous individuals who moved forward not knowing if they would return. I aspire to carry a bit of their bravery and sense of duty into my profession and daily life through this event.”

Having heard accounts of life post-attacks, Fagan resolved to serve his nation.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in finance, Fagan intends to receive his commission into the U.S. Army as an aviation officer.

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For Logan Ledbetter, serving the nation is a familial tradition. This is why he believes this event uniquely unites the university community.

Having multiple relatives who served in Iraq and Afghanistan due to the 9/11 attacks, Ledbetter understands the significance of this day’s legacy.

“My wife, father, uncle, grandparent and grandmother have either served or are continuing to serve. I believe it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing military service within my family. This event highlights all those who serve and is an outstanding chance to bring the community together,” Ledbetter remarked.

Upon earning his dual bachelor’s degrees in international affairs and Russian, Ledbetter plans to commission into the active-duty Air Force as an intelligence officer.

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For Jacob Jones, training captain of the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department, the September 11 attacks marked a significant turning point. A UGA student at that time, he was getting ready for class when he witnessed the towers being hit and instantly felt concern for his family in New York. The initial shock and disbelief soon transformed into determination as he watched firefighters courageously running toward the towers. Within a year, he graduated, enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve, and subsequently joined the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department in 2004.

“This is something nearly impossible to convey to someone who has never donned the uniform or carried 80 pounds of equipment toward the very location from where everyone else was fleeing,” he expressed. “It may seem trite, but there is a profound sense of pride in wearing the same uniform, using the same gear, and experiencing even a fraction of the physical strain that those who made the ultimate sacrifice endured.”

With over 21 years of service now, he asserts that the 9/11 stair climb serves as a tribute to both the 343 firefighters who perished that day and the many others who have made sacrifices since. “Last year, as I ascended, I constantly reminded myself that 343 firefighters went up those stairs and never returned. I had no reason not to complete the climb. It was among the most physically challenging events I’ve ever participated in; yet it is also one of the experiences I am most proud to have been part of.”

Written by: Savannah Peat & Cole Sosebee
Photography by: Andrew Davis Tucker
Video by: Corey O’Quinn
Web design by: Hannah Gallant

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