EMMITSBURG, Md. — Americans have climbed more than 550,000 flights of stairs this summer as part of #ForThe343, a National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) campaign honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The foundation said that the nationwide initiative encourages participants to climb in remembrance of the firefighters who responded to the World Trade Center.
| WATCH: The grassroots beginnings of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Participants have shared their climbs on social media, including fire departments, influencers and a former “Survivor” winner, while challenging others to join the campaign.
Others have taken #ForThe343 to locations including Blarney Castle, the Appalachian Trail and Target Field in Minnesota, honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters killed on 9/11 and firefighters who have died in the line of duty since.
“I was one of the members of the NFFF team that responded to New York immediately following 9/11 and witnessed the nation come together to support the fire service,” NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro said. “Now we are asking the nation to stand with New York again and symbolically complete the climb these 343 heroes could not finish. We’re inviting everyone to climb from a firehouse, their workplace or their home, because every step helps us keep the promise to never forget.”
ForThe343 is on track to surpass 1 million flights climbed, with dozens of events scheduled Sept. 11-13 at venues including MetLife Stadium, Lambeau Field and Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Anyone can participate in #ForThe343 by climbing at least one flight of stairs, sharing the effort on social media and challenging others to join. Participants can also take part in one of more than 115 official 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs nationwide or support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation with a donation.
Partners supporting #ForThe343 include 5.11, the National Fire Sprinkler Association and SugarXR. Retro Fitness will also host 75 in-person climbs nationwide on Sept. 11.
