24 years ago, the United States was changed forever.
There were signs of devastation everywhere, but there were also signs of hope. Each Sept. 11, we remember the 2,977 lives lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The Wake Forest and Winston-Salem community honored those lost through an annual event called Climb to Remember.
Held at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium before sunrise, hundreds of people gathered to walk 2,977 steps — one for each life lost. The event opened with logistics from a member of the ROTC, followed by a ceremony and a tribute to the United States by an official within the Wake Forest ROTC program. Finally, the crowd watched and congratulated several cadets on officially agreeing to serve in the U.S. Army after graduation.
“The atmosphere was quiet, solemn, and respectful,” sophomore Hannah Henderson said. “It was an incredibly moving ceremony; it felt like a shared moment of powerful silence and knowing we were all there for the same purpose was unifying and strengthening.”
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked by the terrorist group al-Qaida. Flights 11 and 175 hit the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Flight 77 struck the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control of the cockpit from the hijackers. 2,977 lives were lost, including more than 400 first responders.
Attendees of the event included first responders, military veterans, ROTC cadets from the Wake Forest No Fear Army ROTC Battalion, students and local families who came together to pay tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11.
“The sense of community I felt while walking those stairs was unlike any other,” Schoppa said. “It allowed me to reflect on what our country had to go through.”
Around 6:35 a.m., groups of people began walking into the stadium, wearing American flag shirts and colors. Despite some chatter, a heavy silence fell over the crowd, echoing the bravery from that day. As attendees were split into groups across the stadium to climb, retracing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center, the names of those killed were displayed on the scoreboard. An American flag waved in the background, and patriotic songs echoed throughout the stadium.
According to ROTC leader Allison Ragon, this year had a record-breaking number of participants; multiple student organizations, fraternities, sororities and residents came together to share a moment of patriotism.
“While I wasn’t alive during the attacks, I have grown up hearing stories and learning about the events of the day, and Climb to Remember helped bring that history to life, gaining a deeper understanding of the loss that shaped the nation,” Schoppa said.
Through participation and reflection, events like Climb to Remember serve as powerful tools for education and intergenerational connection. It is a physical reminder of the courage of each and every firefighter, police officer and ordinary citizen who chose to help and continue climbing.
