Clemson University to host third annual 9/11 Memorial Stadium Stair Climb

Clemson University students, faculty and staff and members of the local community are coming together for the third annual 9/11 Stair Climb in Memorial Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 11. The event, organized by the Student Veterans Association, begins with welcome remarks at 8:30 a.m., followed by the start of the climb at 8:45.

“Each year this event continues to grow and brings our community together to remember those whose lives were impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks,” says Jimmy Mullinax, executive director of military affairs. “We are proud to do our small part by remembering the bravery of the first responders who acted without hesitation to this tragedy, and to support in particular our area first responders who do an incredible job of ensuring Clemson is a safe place to work, live and study.”

The 9/11 Stair Climb draws hundreds of attendees who pay tribute to first responders and those impacted by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Following welcome remarks and the national anthem, a timeline of announcements in conjunction with real-time events that unfolded on 9/11 will come over the stadium’s public address beginning at 8:45. The University’s Public Safety groups are participating in this year’s event once again, and Interim Fire Chief Aaron Bunyea is delivering closing remarks at 10:45 a.m. Bunyea served in the United States Air Force and was deployed to Qatar nine days after the 9/11 attacks. The event also includes the playing of Taps and a 21-gun salute by Company C-4 of the Pershing Rifles.

Participants should enter the stadium at Gate 1 and are encouraged to sign thank-you cards for area first responders, which will be delivered by volunteers on Sept. 12. Visit the event registration website for frequently asked questions or email Emily DaBruzzi for more information. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m.