North Columbus News

Before sunrise today, hundreds of ROTC corps members, student-athletes, university leaders, first responders, and community volunteers gathered at Ohio Stadium for a challenging but meaningful task.

On the anniversary of 9/11, The Ohio State University’s tri-service ROTC departments (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force) host an annual stair climb in the stadium. Participants arrive shortly after 5 a.m. to navigate the stairs in honor of the first responders who climbed into the World Trade Center to rescue as many people as possible following the terrorist attacks.

Capt. Westin Hart, assistant professor of military science, spoke before the stair climb began and shared a personal story about losing his father on 9/11. John Patrick Hart was in the South Tower when it was struck by the second plane.

“My dad’s story and my family’s story are just one thread in a tapestry of thousands. We carry the memories of those who died everywhere that we go,” he said. “And I hope that by telling you this story, that you may carry a small piece of him and his memory with you."

“We will climb 110 flights of stairs as far as our lungs and legs will take us to symbolize the number of stories in just one of the Twin Towers. We do this to honor, to remember, and to renew our commitment to never forget,” Hart added.

Hart was joined on his climb by members of various Ohio State athletic teams including swim and diving teams; men’s and women’s lacrosse; wrestling; central Ohio police and firefighters; members of the Ohio Army National Guard; volunteers from JP Morgan; among others.

Ohio Assistant Adjutant General for the Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Woodruff attended the memorial event for the first time.

“I think it’s an honor. As an older person who lived through 9/11 and has spent a lot of time in service afterward, to know that we have young men and women who are willing to stand up and sacrifice for our country even when they don’t remember that day keeps the memory alive,” he said.

Brooklynn Worner, a second-year biology and pre-med major as well as an Army cadet born after 9/11 like many peers, expressed her enthusiasm upon completing her second stair climb.

“It’s definitely challenging but it’s a good way to push ourselves too,” she said. “It’s so amazing how many people are willingly showing up just to honor their memories.”