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Saturday · September 12, 2026

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Long Beach World Trade Center

Presented by the Long Beach Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 372

110
Stories Climbed
343
Firefighters Honored
25th
Anniversary
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Our Mission
Why We Climb

On September 11, 2001, 343 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center. They climbed into danger so others could escape. On the 25th anniversary of that tragic day, we honor their courage by symbolically completing their journey.

Participants will climb 22 stories at the Long Beach World Trade Center five times — totaling 110 stories — to match the climb FDNY firefighters faced that September morning.

When one of us climbs, we all rise. With every step, every bell rung, and every name remembered. National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

The Event

Long Beach World Trade Center Plaza

A memorial ceremony at the World Trade Center Plaza followed by the stair climb in the WTC Tower, and a Memorial Reception back in the plaza following the climb. Participants carry the name of a 9/11 victim with them on the climb.

The Cause

All proceeds benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and families of 9/11 victims.

The Community

Open to firefighters, first responders, military, veterans, and civilians. Estimated 500–1,000 climbers with additional guests invited to attend the Memorial Ceremony and Reception.

The Location

Long Beach World Trade Center — a 27-story office tower in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, California.

Event Schedule
Ceremony & Stair Climb

Saturday, September 12, 2026 — Long Beach World Trade Center, 1 World Trade Center, Long Beach, CA 90802

7:30

Event Check-In

Climber check-in opens at the Long Beach World Trade Center Plaza.

8:00

Memorial Ceremony Begins

Held in the LB WTC Plaza with Honor Guard presentation, National Anthem, and opening remarks from Dignitaries.

8:20

Keynote Speaker & Victim Recognition

Keynote speaker to offer perspective and prepare climbers. Each participant receives a card bearing the name of a 9/11 victim to carry during the climb.

8:46

Moment of Silence

At 8:46 AM — the exact moment the first plane struck the North Tower — we observe a moment of silence followed by the ringing of the Last Alarm Bell.

9:00

Stair Climb Begins

Stair climb begins from the WTC Plaza, entering the stairwells.

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The Climb — 110 Stories

Five climbs from ground to the 22nd floor equals the 110 stories and 2,200 steps of the original World Trade Center. On the 22nd floor is an open floor plan with wraparound sweeping views of Long Beach and the Los Angeles region. Experiential and interactive 9/11 commemorative media displayed throughout. A bank of 4 elevators are provided to return climbers to the bottom floor.

12:00

Memorial Reception

Refreshments and community gathering in the WTC Plaza. Rehab and hydration stations available throughout.

Join Us
Registration

Registration opens soon. Sign up to be notified when registration goes live.

Climber

Climber

$50 / climber
  • Commemorative event shirt
  • Memorial name badge tag of fallen hero
  • Post event reception
  • All proceeds donated to charity
Registration Coming Soon
Reception Only

Reception Only

$25 / participant
  • Attend Memorial Ceremony
  • Attend post-event reception
  • All proceeds donated to charity
Registration Coming Soon
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Our Partners
Sponsors

We are grateful to the sponsors and community partners who make this event possible. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available.

Climb Together
Honor Teams

Form a team with your department, company, gym, or community group. Teams compete for the Largest Team Award.

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343
In Memoriam
Wall of Heroes

343 FDNY firefighters gave their lives on September 11, 2001. Each climber carries one of their names. We climb to complete their journey.

Hover to pause

No day shall erase you from the memory of time.

343
Where Funds Go
Charitable Beneficiaries
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Created by Congress to honor America's fallen fire heroes, the NFFF provides resources to assist surviving families in rebuilding their lives and works within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths. Programs include family support, counseling, scholarships, and memorial events.

Learn More
Get Involved
Volunteer

This event is made possible by dedicated volunteers. We need help in several areas to make the inaugural climb a success.

Stairwell Marshals

Guide climbers through the stairwells, manage wave flow, and ensure safety during the climb.

Registration & Check-In

Help with day-of check-in, distribute name tags, shirts, and direct participants to the ceremony.

Rehab & Hydration

Staff hydration and rehab stations, distribute water and electrolytes, assist EMS as needed.

Ceremony Support

Assist with setup and coordination of the memorial ceremony at Fire Station 1.

Course Setup

Help install signage along the route, photos in stairwells, and audio equipment.

Photography & Media

Capture the event through photos and video to share the story of the climb.

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Photos & Coverage
Media

Photos and media from the event will be posted here after the climb.

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Never Forget

September 11, 2001 — September 12, 2026