Local Union City firefighters will once again be partnering with Discovery Park of America to host the annual stair climb on Sat., Sept. 11, 2021, as a way to pay tribute to those who were lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Because this year marks the 20th anniversary of the attack, organizers anticipate a large number of firefighters, police, EMS and military personnel from throughout the region to join them at the Union City, Tenn., museum and heritage park.

Discovery Park also recently announced that for the month of September, the museum will be hosting a temporary exhibit, “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World.”

The tower stair climb, held in conjunction with The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, is open to any rescue worker who wishes to participate in climbing the Discovery Park Tower staircase 10 times in full gear, the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. The terrorist attacks killed 2,184 civilians, 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 10 EMS workers. Many others have died from medical complications in the years since.

Those who have purchased a ticket to Discovery Park that day are welcome to watch and encourage the firefighters as they climb the stairs. Once the last firefighter has completed the climb, there will be a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives.

Climbers will be given an identification tag and photo of a first responder that lost their life on 9/11 as they climb the steps, and the stairwell will be filled with posters and words of encouragement from Union City and Obion County students.

The immediate families of participating firefighters will enjoy free admission to Discovery Park. Firefighters will receive a voucher for a meal at one of the museum and park’s restaurants.

The opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature the Presentation of the Colors, National Anthem and an opening prayer. The climb will begin at 10 a.m. Registration is now open. For more information, to register, to sponsor a rescue worker or team or to participate as a sponsor, visit the event’s landing page or contact Lt. Rick Stacks at rdstacks73@gmail.com or call (731) 885-2232.

Sponsored by The City of Union City.