4th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Honors Victims and Families

SAN ANGELO, TX - Fifteen years ago, the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda coordinated a series of four attacks on the United States on the morning of September 11, 2001. Americans will always remember exactly what they were doing on that day and how it has impacted their lives since.

Throughout the United States, communities have come together on this date in remembrance of the victims and their families, and continue to pray for our country and leadership. 

For the last four years, San Angelo resident Eric Murray has hosted a Memorial Stair Climb in commemoration. This year, the event will take place at the San Angelo Stadium, at 1621 University Avenue, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday; however, participants are encouraged to arrive early.

Murray said, "Every man, woman and child has had their lives impacted in some way by the events that took place that day. This year, for our 4th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, we will again climb 2,977 stairs, one stair for each victim, to commemorate those who lost their lives in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. We'll also climb an additional 1,000 as there has actually been 7,000 people who have died due to a direct or indirect result of 9/11. The track will be open for those who want to participate, but are unable to climb the stairs.  

Murray added, "We will have a moment of silence at 0746 CST, the exact moment 15 years ago when Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. We will then begin our climb. We will pause for additional moments of silence at 0803 CST (South Tower Impact), 0837 CST (Pentagon Impact), 0858 CST (South Tower Collapse), 0903 CST (UA 93 Crash), and 0928 CST (North Tower Collapse) to reflect on the events and honor the victims." 

Murray said the stair climb also represents the World Trade Center and the emergency responders who responded to the attack and didn't make it out.

"This year, the fire and police departments will be at the stadium and bring some of their vehicles to even further pay our respects, and there will be a couple of special presentations," said Murray. 

Although he does not personally have any ties to any of the victims, Murray said he "has spent the last few days talking with a local man who has. Mr Rosendo "Rosey" Velez, retired USMC, was an EMS responder who moved to San Angelo in 2004. He is the reason San Angelo now has a 9/11 memorial. Velez brought all of the pieces from the WTC to San Angelo, as well as the base."

Unfortunately, the monument that means so much to so many was maliciously desecrated by vandals in recent weeks (click here).

Murray added, "The event is free and the climb should take about two hours; we're hoping for a good turnout from the community. The first year we had 15 participants, the 2nd year 40, and last year, a little over 100."

Murray said he's hoping to surpass these numbers, and encourages people to join in the event.

"Invite your friends and family as we Climb to Remember," he said.

Team RWB of San Angelo is a non-profit organization that hosts many community-oriented fitness events throughout the year. The next one, the 22nd Annual Armydillo Run, will be held on September 17, and is open to the public with a very scenic 10K, 5K, and 1 mile fun run near Spring Creek Marina.

For more information on Team RWB San Angelo, check the organization out on Facebook.