Hundreds turn out for 9-11 Remembrance Stair Climb at Clemson University

CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) – Hundreds of participants, including first responders, veterans, students and staff all gathered inside Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium Wednesday for the 2nd Annual 9-11 Remembrance Stair Climb.

All paid homage to the nearly three thousand people who died in the 9-11 attacks 23 years ago.

“It’s a culminating event of 10-12 organizations, and we wanted to bring awareness to the students who may not have been alive on 9-11 and have no idea of the sacrifices that were made, and the people who lost their lives,” said Chase Carter, president of the university’s student veteran’s association and an organizer for the event.

First responders committed themselves to climbing Memorial Stadium’s stairs in full gear for two hours.

“Memorial Stadium is aimed to honor all those who died in World War II, so a fitting tribute that we’re walking in a stadium that honors those who have fought for our country, while we honor those that died in attacks on our country,” Retired Lt. Colonel Jimmy Mullinax, who serves as the executive director for military affairs at Clemson University told 7NEWS.

The event was marked by moments of silence, and a recap of the timeline of the tragic events that unfolded September 11, 2001.

“I was stationed in Washington DC at the time, part of the security detachment out of the marine barracks. I was actually able to watch the plane go down and hit the Pentagon,” said Sergeant Charles Burks of the Clemson University Police Department.

Burks went on to say that the 9-11 attacks propelled his desire to serve and protect his community. He was on site for the remembrance stair climb helping to keep the premises safe and secure for participants.

“One of the things that happened out of [the 9-11 attacks] was a nation coming together, and we want to keep that spirit alive. That was one of the key focuses for this event,” Burks added.

Those who participated in the memorial stair climb were given the opportunity to sign thank you cards for first responders. They’ll be delivered to them on Thursday.

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