The Tullahoma Fire Department is welcoming the community to honor the heroes on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with both its Patriot Day Commemoration ceremony and 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

The memorial stair climb will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Wilkins Stadium behind Tullahoma High School. Sign-ups to participate in the stair climb will go until 8:30 a.m. that morning. Following a brief introduction, the firefighters and climbers will climb 110 flights, or take about 2,200 steps, in five laps around the bleachers. Hydration and snacks will be provided by the climbers.

The climb is the fire department’s tribute to what the first responders endured on Sept. 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center fell after two commercial airplanes crashed into the towers by hijackers. Two other commercial airplanes were also hijacked and crashed at the Pentagon and in an empty field in western Pennsylvania about 20 minutes by air from Washington, D.C.

“We climb to honor the courage and sacrifice of the 343 firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders who gave their lives in service during the attacks on 9/11,” fire department officials said. “This is more than a workout. It’s a moment of remembrance, unity and gratitude.” Then, on Friday, Sept. 11, the fire department will host its Patriot Day Commemoration ceremony at Fire Station #1, located at 613 S. Jackson St., and it is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. It will include remarks from Fire Chief Kenneth Pearson and Mayor Lynn Sebourn, as well as a presentation of the new Patriot Awards for one person from the Tullahoma Fire and Police Departments. The ceremony will also feature the ceremonial ringing of a bell on the historic fire engine in a 3-4-3 pattern, symbolizing the 343 lost firefighters. Tullahoma Fire Department has hosted the ceremony to commemorate the 343 New York firefighters, as well as the eight EMTs/ paramedics, 60 police officers and the 2,997 civilians who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony also serves to remember all first responders lost that day or impacted by the attacks.