In honor of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and in continued honor of the U.S. first responders and military, the NAU community gathered Tuesday to pay respects at the annual 911 Tower Challenge.
The World Trade Center’s Twin Towers each consisted of 110 floors and 2071 steps, and each year thousands of people across Arizona walk, climb and run stairs to remember. Firefighters in full gear, police, military and bomb squad personnel march steadily alongside civilians of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Photographs of fallen heroes line the stairs, and participants pause briefly to read the names in recognition of the sacrifice each made while in the service of others.