Stair Climb remembers 9/11 heroes 25 years later

Firefighter carrying American flag up Kenan Satdium's stairs during the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at U.N.C. Chapel Hill. — (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb has become an annual tradition at UNC-Chapel Hill, and members of the Carolina community and the Triangle at large once again returned to Kenan Stadium on Friday to honor those who tragically died in the terrorist attacks 25 years ago.

Starting at 6 a.m., participants climbed 2,071 stairs, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers, as tribute to the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11 and to the firefighters, police officers, military members, first responders and civilians who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness that day.

The event, hosted by the UNC Army ROTC for the 13th time, drew Tar Heel students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as local residents, students from neighboring universities and area first responders.

Check out scenes from this year’s Stair Climb.

Firefighters congregating on the field of Kenan Stadium prior to the start of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at U.N.C. Chapel Hill's Kenan Stadium.

Firefighters from Mebane prepare for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

A woman, Lisa Klekowski, in U.S. Army fatigues, speaking into a microphone and addressing the crowd at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at U.N.C. Chapel Hill’s Kenan Stadium.

Lisa Klekowski, professor of military science and chair of the ROTC department, speaks to attendees at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

A man speaking into a microphone and addressing the audience at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at U.N.C. Chapel Hill's Kenan Stadium.

Matt LaFrenz, retiring special operations command sergeant major in the U.S. Army, speaks to attendees of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Long line of ROTC members, students and other members of the Carolina community walking up and down the Kenan Stadium stairs during the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

(Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

U.N.C. Chapel Hill Lee H. Roberts standing on the field of Kenan Stadium and using a microphone to address the crowd at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Chancellor Lee H. Roberts speaks to attendees of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Closeup of a Hillsborough police officer walking up the stairs of Kenan Stadium. Displayed on his uniform is a 9/11 remembrance patch depicting the American flag and the Twin Towers.

A member of the Hillsborough police department climbs the stairs of Kenan Stadium during the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)