Rising Together for the Fallen
On September 13, Cincinnati will once again join cities across the country in remembering one of the darkest days in American history while celebrating the courage of those who answered the call. The Cincinnati 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, hosted by Cintas Corporation, will take place inside the Cintas Center at Xavier University, beginning at 9 a.m. The event honors the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, by inviting participants to climb or walk the symbolic 110 stories of the World Trade Center.
This annual climb is more than a physical challenge—it is a deeply moving tribute. Each participant wears a badge bearing the name and photograph of a fallen firefighter, symbolically carrying them on the journey they could not complete. The act transforms remembrance into action, creating a living memorial that both honors sacrifice and inspires resilience.
The day begins with registration at 8 a.m., followed by a solemn opening ceremony at 9 a.m. The ceremony includes remarks from local leaders, a presentation of colors, and a moment of silence. At 9:30 a.m., the stair climb begins, filling the concourses of the Cintas Center with footsteps, determination, and reflection. Participants can register individually or as part of a team, and all will receive an event t-shirt along with a post-climb lunch to share stories and honor togetherness.
By noon, the event concludes, but the message lingers: the bravery shown on September 11 is remembered not only in words but through effort and unity.
The climb is part of a national series of 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs organized in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Proceeds support programs that provide direct assistance to families of fallen firefighters, scholarships for children, counseling and wellness resources, and initiatives aimed at reducing preventable firefighter deaths.
The NFFF, established by Congress in 1992, carries forward its mission to honor fallen heroes while ensuring safety and support for those who continue to serve. Events like the Cincinnati Stair Climb connect communities to this mission, bridging remembrance with real-world impact.
Cintas, headquartered in Cincinnati, has long supported safety and community resilience. As a Fortune 500 leader in uniforms, facility services, fire protection, and safety training, the company’s commitment to public service extends naturally to its partnership with the NFFF. By hosting the event at its namesake center, Cintas underscores its dedication to honoring the fallen and uplifting the families and colleagues who carry on their legacy.
For those in Cincinnati, this is an opportunity to take part in something larger than themselves—a chance to climb not only for fitness or challenge but for history, for remembrance, and for community.