In a day generally packed with tributes, a symbolic stair climb at UNC's Kenan Stadium made for a meaningful, yet challenging way to honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
Many arrived at the stadium before sunrise Wednesday to honor the lives lost and first responders who answered the call on 9/11. The 11th annual climb started just after 6 a.m. as hundreds were there to go up and down the aisles.
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The annual event was open to community members, students, faculty, local first responders and military personnel. Many in military uniforms were seen going up and down the steps with backpacks. Firefighters in full uniform were also there.
Prior to the walk, speakers talked about the significance of the event and the important services that first responders and military provide.
A similar event was also scheduled at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.
The attacks left 2,977 dead across New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, according to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. First responders climbed 110 flights of stairs in attempt to save those trapped inside the World Trade Center.
