The anniversary of 9/11 is always a somber day in America, and rightfully so.
It allows us to remember and honor all of the heroes whose lives were lost too soon during the terrorist attacks on our country on that horrific day in September of 2001.
This year, like every year, people all across the country honored the 20th anniversary of that tragic day with beautiful tributes to the first responders, the victims who did not survive the attacks, and by also telling the stories of some of the people who did.
Every single Army football player ran onto the field with an American flag on Saturday, Budweiser updated an old commercial to honor the victims of 9/11, and Mossy Oak honored New York City Police officer Will Jimeno with an incredible feature on his story from that fateful day.
One of the coolest and more unique tributes commemorating the anniversary happened at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado.
Every year, firefighters climb nine laps of stairs at the Amphitheater, which is the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center as a way to honor and remember the 343 New York City firefighters who were killed in the attacks.
According to the Denver Post, more than 25,000 people were in attendance at the park to observe the annual Colorado 9/11 Stair Climb.
Fire Chief Don Lombardi with West Metro Fire Rescue says it’s imperative to remember the sacrifices that were made and how much those first responders gave up to save their fellow Americans:
“When we saw what happened to 343 people, our fellow brothers back in New York, it weighed on us.
We always say every year, do not forget. We will not forget.”
Many of the 2,500 firefighters from 24 different states wore all of the gear that those who died that day would’ve carried with them inside the building (adding at least 60 pounds to their climb). Other people from all over the country did the walk alongside them, as well.
The photos are absolutely amazing, and it serves as a poignant and important reminder that we never forget the selfless and heroic acts of first responders and everyday people who risked it all for their fellow Americans and ran directly towards the face of evil.
Check out the moving photos from the event:
May we always remember the heroes we lost on 9/11:
