Clemson University is hosting its annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Friday, Sept. 11 on the 25^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. The event brings together students, faculty, staff, and the local community in a memorial tribute to those who lost their lives and to honor first responders for their service and bravery. This marks the fourth year of the event.

The event begins with welcome remarks from Military and Veteran Engagement staff at 8:30 a.m., followed by the start of the climb — designed to simulate 110 floors of the World Trade Center towers — at 8:45 a.m. This year’s event takes place in Littlejohn Coliseum. Participants are asked to enter at the west entrance (Perimeter Road) of the facility. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in IPTAY lots 3A (along East Beach Road) or 3E (accessible from Ravenel Road).

REGISTER FOR THE STAIR CLIMB

“This event has become one of Clemson’s most revered traditions each fall,” says Jimmy Mullinax, executive director of military affairs. “Our team is honored to help coordinate the Stair Climb each year, and we look forward to honoring those impacted by the attacks on the 25^th anniversary of 9/11.”

Following welcome remarks and the national anthem, a timeline of announcements will be read over Littlejohn’s public address system in conjunction with real-time events that unfolded on Sept. 11, 2001. Participants can climb stairs of the arena seating bowl or walk/run in the concourse area. Participants are encouraged to sign thank-you cards for University and local community fist responders, which will be delivered by volunteers the following week.

Closing remarks will be offered at approximately 10:45 a.m. by retired U.S. Army Col. Eddy Morehead ’77 following the climb. Morehead was working in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics in the Pentagon when it was struck by American Airlines Flight 77. Morehead, who served as commander of the Army ROTC corps as a Clemson senior, assisted first responders and helped tend to individuals in need as the inferno and thick black smoke overtook the Pentagon. He received the Soldier’s Medal commendation from the Army for heroism above and beyond the call of duty.

“We look forward to hearing Col. Morehead’s first-hand account of the events that transpired in the Pentagon on 9/11,” Mullinax says. “He displayed incredible bravery and did not hesitate to assist others in the midst of the most horrific attack in the history of our country.”

Morehead also plans to walk with Clemson Corps during the First Friday Parade at 6 p.m.