Never Forget: Community Honors Vow Made 25 Years Ago

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the 2,977 victims who lost their lives that day are engrained in Americans’ memories in part because of a promise the United States made to itself decades ago: Never Forget. Each year, communities pause to reflect on the events of that day and honor the victims. This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and events will be held around town in remembrance.

On Friday, September 11, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company will perform a stair climb in memory of the firefighters who lost their lives 25 years ago in Manhattan. Wearing full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus backpacks, firefighters will use stair-stepping machines at LA Fitness in Pasadena to symbolically climb the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers. New York City firefighters were doing just that when the towers collapsed.

Volunteer firefighter Jordan Ramos, stair climb coordinator, is proud to organize the event. “We’re grateful to have this opportunity for our members to pay tribute to the responders lost in the World Trade Center,” he said. “And it’s a unique way to keep our responders fit and ready for the next emergency.”

In 2025, 17 volunteer firefighters and EMTs participated in the climb. This year, the group anticipates a larger turnout as the company has grown. Earleigh Heights Volunteer Chief Dave Crawford remarked, “It’s great to partner with a local business on an event that supports our members and honors the fire service.”

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department, along with the Anne Arundel County Police Department and government officials, will host a joint 9/11 memorial ceremony on Friday, September 11, at 9:00am. The annual ceremony will include messages from Police Chief Amal Awad, County Executive Steuart Pittman and others, and will take place at the county’s 9/11 memorial, located in front of police and fire headquarters at 8495 Veterans Highway in Millersville.

On Sunday, September 13, runners can participate in the 2026 Annapolis 9/11 Heroes Run 5K at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Hosted by the Travis Manion Foundation, the event welcomes runners, ruckers and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and to honor the heroes who served on that day and in the wars that followed.

Marine Corps First Lieutenant Travis Manion gave the ultimate sacrifice on April 29, 2007, during his second deployment to Iraq.

The run starts at 11:00am and participants can learn more and register at www.travismanion.org.