VIDEO: Marietta firefighters and community members gathered Sunday morning to honor the heroes lost to tragedy on September 11, 2001.
The annual Memorial Stair Climb is put on by the Marietta Fire Department. Participants walk up 110 flights of stairs, the same amount New York City firefighters climbed as they bravely responded to a terrorist attack at the World Trade Center.
Each step is in remembrance of the 343 firefighters lost that day. Climbers are given a lanyard displaying one of the fallen so they may never be forgotten.
โFirefighter Michael DโAuriaโฆ I had his name around my neck, and I reached out to his family, and I kind of read a little about his life. Reached out to his family and his mom and sister, and they shared his story,โ said Marietta Fire Lt. Mehrdad Compani, who started the annual tradition.
Some of the first responders ascended the stairs in full firefighting gear, carrying the physical and emotional weight of that tragic day. Along the way up are pictures and words from the heroes they carry up with them.
