EUGENE, Ore. — Nearly 700 firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and their families gathered at Autzen Stadium on Wednesday for the 3rd annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, honoring the thousands of lives lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The event, hosted at the University of Oregon, combined solemn remembrance with physical endurance, as participants climbed the equivalent of 110 stories — symbolizing the fallen Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Remembering the Fallen
At check-in, each participant received a badge with the name, photo, and profession of a first responder who died on 9/11. The symbolic gesture ensured every climb honored an individual sacrifice.
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The ceremony opened with the National Anthem, performed by Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Duane Reno of the 234th Army Band. A video presentation followed, replaying news clips and eyewitness accounts from that day nearly 24 years ago. For many, the silence in the stadium underscored the weight of the moment.
Guest speaker Owen McGovern, a retired New York City firefighter who was off duty on 9/11, recalled the profound personal loss of his firehouse crew. “Everyone in my firehouse that was officially on duty that day was lost,” he said, visibly emotional.
McGovern, who now serves with Clackamas Fire Department, emphasized both the tragedy and unity of that day. “Sometimes it feels like another lifetime, and sometimes it feels like 9/11 was yesterday. … We are here today to remember the 343 firefighters, 23 NYPD officers, 37 Port Authority Police, 55 military personnel, and nearly 3,000 civilians who died.”
He also reminded attendees that many who worked at Ground Zero later succumbed to cancers and respiratory illnesses from toxic exposure. “Unfortunately, it happens every day as we are still losing firefighters,” McGovern said. “But I remember unity — just like today.”
A Living Tribute
After speeches concluded, the ceremony transitioned into the stair climb. Members of the Lane Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums played “Amazing Grace,” before leading participants to the stadium stairwells.
The course wound through three-quarters of Autzen Stadium, with markers noting significant moments from 9/11. One sign read 8:46 a.m. — the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower.
Firefighters climbed in full protective gear, and soldiers carried heavy rucksacks, pushing themselves physically in solidarity with those who faced the impossible on that morning. Each climber rang a fire bell upon reaching the symbolic 78th floor — the highest floor reached by rescuers on 9/11.
Ultimately, participants completed the equivalent of 110 floors, matching the height of the towers where first responders gave their lives.
Oregon National Guard Participation
Among those climbing were senior Oregon National Guard leaders, including Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon, and Command Sgt. Maj. Lee Smith, the Guard’s senior enlisted leader. Both completed the course in under 40 minutes.
Smith admitted that the day stirred deep emotions. “When I was watching the video, I still had a bit of anger,” he said. “But when we were doing the stairs, I thought, ‘I’ve got to be positive,’ because we are remembering — and we are also honoring.”
A Community United
The stair climb blended solemn ceremony with physical tribute, creating a collective act of remembrance. Firefighters, police officers, Guardsmen, and community members encouraged each other with high-fives and fist bumps along the route.
“I would like to think that the people killed on 9/11 probably would join us today — at least with a smile — and enjoy each other’s company while we were climbing,” Smith reflected.
Eugene Fire Chief Mike Caven underscored the broader meaning of the event. “The way we’ve come together, the way we’ve grown, the way we work better together to serve our country and shield our communities — that’s what we’re here for today,” he said.
Caven called the stair climb not just a memorial, but a reminder of the resilience and shared commitment of first responders. “This event is important because it allows us to remember and share a collective experience,” he said. “To climb, to honor, and to never forget.”
