The annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Barnstormers' stadium, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. The event will have a set registration fee, with registration available online in advance or at the stadium on the day of the event, beginning at 8 a.m. The stair climb will begin at 9 a.m. and will include EMS personnel, firefighters and other first responders, but members of the public are also invited to participate.

Participants in the memorial will scale the steps of the stadium as they wind around its interior five times, the equivalent of the 110 stories of the twin towers. Each participant traditionally carries an image of a first responder who was killed on the day of the attack as he or she endures the long climb. "Everyone carries a picture of someone who didn't make it," said Scott Yuill, a member of the East Petersburg Fire Company for almost 50 years. "You're symbolically finishing the climb that they weren't able to." Yuill has assisted with the event for 12 years and first became involved as a way to honor a friend and fellow firefighter who was killed during the collapse of the World Trade Center. The proceeds from the event will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, with funds directly supporting counseling services for the New York fire Department. Counseling is still offered for those who lost loved ones on 9/11. Those who wish to contribute to the foundation may donate at the event or online.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created by Congress in 1992 to drive a nationwide effort to honor those killed in the line of duty. The foundation has since conceptualized multiple programs to accomplish its mission and sponsors memorial stair climbs similar to Lancaster's across the country. A grant from the Department of Justice contributes to programs specifically made for families of fallen firefighters, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology partners with the foundation to research methods that may prevent death and injuries among firefighters in the line of duty.

"The stair climb gives people a chance to remember and to learn," said Yuill. "The attack happened over 20 years ago now. There are several participants that weren't even born yet. This gives them the chance to learn and a chance for those who do remember to honor the sacrifices made that day." The stair climb draws firefighters from multiple states to complete the symbolic journey, fully dressed in their uniforms and equipment. Last year's climb also featured an appearance by the Philadelphia Eagles' cheerleading squad.

To register for the event or contribute to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, visit https://lancasterstairclimb.org/.