The combined September 11, 2001, attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania resulted in the deaths of 2,977 victims. At the World Trade Center in New York City, 343 firefighters, 60 police officers and 10 emergency medical services first responders tragically lost their lives. 

To honor and commemorate all the lives lost in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in human history, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community hosted the eighth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb presented by Plexus Worldwide on September 14 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. This year’s stair climb had nearly 1,300 registered participants, a record. 

The event was a collaboration between Discover Salt River, the Salt River Fire Department, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Salt River Fields, Salt River Firefighter Charities, Saddleback Communications, HonorHealth and many more. Joined by families and loved ones, many SRPMIC members, firefighters, police and staff took part. 

Participants received free goodies, T-shirts and ample bottles of water to combat the evening heat. Down on the field, the Salt River Pipes and Drums and Color Guard presented the flags on the baseball field. Along the right field baseline were vendor booths from radio stations 98KUPD and 93.3FM, Spooner Physical Therapy and Medieval Times. 

Dr. Jesse McGuire, a Phoenix resident and trumpeter, performed the national anthem to enthusiastic applause and praise for his rendition. McGuire has performed the anthem for three presidents and during some of sports’ biggest games, including Game 7 of the 2001 World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees, the 2010 NBA playoff game between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, and during the 2018 Super Bowl parade for the Philadelphia Eagles.

John Holmberg, morning radio show host for 98KUPD, then gave a heartfelt speech to the participants. “I normally say fart jokes for a living on my morning radio show, but being here tonight means something to me, and I wanted to pay proper respects,” said Holmberg. He explained how his fiancée at that time in 2001 was in one of the Twin Towers, and he was frantic as he waited for word that she had exited the building safely. With the help of fire and police, she was rescued and returned home safely. 

“Like all of us, I watched firefighters and police go into the wreckage to save lives. It gave me hope,” he added. “We say, ‘Let’s remember’ and ‘Never forget’, but we must be active about it. I’m humbled to be here, and I couldn’t be more honored; thank you,” Holmberg finished. 

Before the climb began, Plexus Chief of Staff Andrea McAlister thanked the sponsors and participants for taking time out of their evening to commemorate the brave souls who lost their lives. “Your dedication ensures the sacrifices of those who lost their lives on 9/11 are never forgotten,” she shared.

Participants then began the stair climb. They completed heats within the stadium sections of Salt River Fields, which represented the 110 stories of the Twin Towers. During the climb, as a symbolic gesture for the fallen, firefighters (who were wearing their full turnout gear) activated their PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) alarm, which is used to notify others in the area that a firefighter is in distress. The alarm utilizes a 95-decibel frequency, which could be heard throughout Salt River Fields from the stadium entrance all the way out to center field. 

This year’s 9/11 Stair Climb was another patriotic reminder that although the attacks happened in New York, Washington and rural Pennsylvania, citizens all across the United States will continue to honor, commemorate and celebrate the heroes who perished on that tragic day 23 years ago.