North Columbus News

Hundreds of people gathered at Ohio Stadium on Thursday morning for the annual stair climb event marking the anniversary of September 11. Organized by The Ohio State University’s ROTC departments, the event drew students, university leaders, and members of the central Ohio community.

Participants climbed the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs inside Ohio Stadium, symbolizing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center towers. The event is intended to honor those who lost their lives during the attacks and recognize the actions of firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel who responded in 2001.

“September 11th is always a time where we gather to honor and remember the importance of service and how incredibly critical it is for each and every one of us to do our duty,” said Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director at Ohio State, addressed participants from ROTC departments. “Thank you for your commitment to our country. The future leadership of our country is in your hands, and we appreciate your commitment to what lies ahead,” he said. “For those of us who were around during 9/11, we all remember where we were. We all remember the feelings that we had and the emotion in our country.”

Bjork also acknowledged athletics teams including wrestling; men’s and women’s lacrosse; swim & dive; artistic swimming; and rowing for joining this year’s climb.

Air Force ROTC Cadet Aidan Spang noted that participating with Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force cadets helps build connections across branches. “It’s really about building a strong sense of community here, and doing it with the other branches as well,” he said. “Because we don’t really get to do much stuff with them, so being able to join them is also pretty great.”

Charlotte Browne from women’s lacrosse shared her personal connection as a New York native whose father served as a fire department captain during September 11. “My dad was on the fire department for 30 years. He was a captain during 9/11, so he was there that day,” she said. “It’s really special to do this with my team, be a part of a community that does this.”