Ohio Stadium Echoes with Remembrance: Annual Stair Climb Honors 9/11 Victims
Columbus, OH – September 11, 2025 – A solemn and inspiring tradition took place today at The Ohio State University as Ohio Stadium opened its hallowed grounds to host the annual stair climb, an event dedicated to honoring the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001. The iconic horseshoe, usually alive with the roar of Buckeye Nation, resonated with the quiet determination of hundreds of participants climbing its stands, a poignant tribute to the courage and sacrifice demonstrated on that fateful day.
The event, held on the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, drew a diverse crowd including first responders, military personnel, students, faculty, staff, and members of the wider community. Each step taken up the stadium’s steep seating areas served as a personal act of remembrance, mirroring the challenges faced by heroes on 9/11 and embodying the spirit of resilience that defines America.
Participants ascended the stadium’s 107,556 seats, often completing multiple laps, a physical undertaking designed to simulate the arduous efforts of firefighters and other emergency responders who bravely entered the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Many climbed with the names of fallen heroes pinned to their shirts, or carried small American flags, their silent procession a powerful visual testament to the enduring impact of the events of 2001.
The atmosphere was one of deep respect and shared purpose. While the climb itself was physically demanding, the overriding sentiment was one of communal solidarity and remembrance. Volunteers were stationed throughout the stadium, offering water and encouragement, ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
Dr. Kristina Johnson, President of The Ohio State University, addressed the attendees at the conclusion of the climb, emphasizing the importance of such events in fostering a sense of shared responsibility and remembrance. “Today, as we ascend these iconic steps, we do more than just exercise. We are walking in solidarity with those who ran towards danger, with those who selflessly served, and with the families who continue to bear the profound loss of September 11th,” she stated. “This stair climb is a powerful reminder that the lessons of that day – of courage, compassion, and unity – remain as vital as ever.”
First responders, in particular, found the event to be a deeply meaningful way to connect with the community and reflect on their own experiences and those of their colleagues. Lieutenant Commander Sarah Chen of the Columbus Fire Department shared, “It’s an honor to be a part of this. Every step we take up here is a way to keep the memory of those we lost alive and to show our support for their families and for our fellow first responders who continue to serve.”
The Ohio Stadium stair climb has become a significant fixture in the Columbus community’s commemoration of 9/11. It offers a tangible and impactful way for individuals to engage with the history of that day, fostering a sense of national pride and a renewed commitment to the values that define the United States. As the sun set over the stadium, the echoes of footsteps and the quiet murmur of shared memories served as a powerful and lasting tribute, ensuring that the sacrifices of 9/11 will never be forgotten.
Ohio Stadium hosts annual stair climb to honor victims of 9/11
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