Like most people, I remember clearly where I was when the country came under attack on September 11th, 2001. I sat in Mr. David Mason's biology class, watching as teachers entered and exited the room rather abruptly. I knew something was up. Mr. Mason came in and turned on the television. The channel was on CNN and we watched for a few moments. It wasn't clear what was happening, there was only chaos. Mr. Mason said, "let's turn in to the 'real' news," and changed the channel to FOX News. My fellow students and I fixed our eyes on the tv, not fully grasping what we were seeing until Mr. Mason turned to us and said "you guys are watching history right now." Mr. David Mason has since passed, but what he said will stick with me forever. I remember drawing a flag to put in my bedroom window. I remember the pleads on the news for people to go out and donate blood. I remember the Bin Laden videos and emergence of this new word, "terrorism." The world looks very different in 2016 than it did on September 10th, 2001. As the years have passed, for me and many others, a lot of questions remain unanswered. Allegedly, Bin Laden is long gone, but justice doesn't feel served. Until the many inconsistencies of that day are reconciled, the anniversary of these attacks brings only frustration and anger for me. I usually spend the day sharing articles, photos, accounts, anything to show the people around me that, no, this isn't finished. On September 10th, 2016, I tattooed a local firefighter. I don't believe this was just a coincidence. I tattooed the memorable image of the firefighters raising the flag at ground zero on his arm. We talked while I worked and he told me about a memorial event that was going to happen the next morning and I knew, then and there, that I couldn't miss it. On September 11th, 2016, the 2nd annual Tri-Cities Memorial Stair Climb took place at the parking garage of the Holston Valley Medical Center. Upon registering that morning, you were given a badge to wear that displays the photo, name and occupation of a firefighter that gave his or her life on 9/11. You will essentially "finish the climb" for these fallen heroes by climbing 110 stories, the height of the World Trade Center buildings. While I was only a civilian, first responders across the region showed up to pay their respects. An opening ceremony took place before they climb. It was a beautiful tribute and really brought the sacrifice of these men and women to the forefront of everyone's mind. After the ceremony, all the participants began to line up. Loudspeakers were placed around the parking garage and the recordings of the NYFD radio chatter from that day began to play. I got in line on this already hot September morning and we began to move. Walking into a sweltering stairwell, wedged between firefighters and police officers in full gear, while listening to the panicked voices of first responders over the speakers was an experience that will live with me forever. No one can ever truly know what the people in immediate danger were feeling that day. Climbing those stairs and hearing the voices, sweating and feeling my legs begin to strain cannot replicate that. What it represented for me was truly remembering. I had no idea if I was physically capable of climbing 110 stories, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It didn't take long to see that everyone climbing that day, including myself, had a personal mission: to make it to the end and ring the bell for their hero. That day, the names of 343 firefighters were announced and the bell rang for each in their memory. In the grand scheme of things, did it matter? Did it bring them back? Did it change the scenario? No, but I can tell you that it changes the heart. Normally, 9/11 brings feelings of anger and helplessness. To be surrounded by people on that day that were also willing to sweat and persevere to pay homage was soothing in a way. We cried, we smiled, we laughed and we remembered. The Tri-Cities Memorial Stair Climb raised more than $20,000, all of which will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. I'm very eager to participate again in 2017 and many years to come.
To Lt. John A. Crisci, whom I climbed for, I greatly appreciate your courage and sacrifice on that day. We're honored to invite you into our home. Please, remind us daily that freedom does come at a steep price. Remind us that bravery is a decision only made when running seems like the better choice. Remind us that this happened because our guard was down and that we can never be so foolish again. Remind us, so that we never forget.
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AuthorSummer Hamrick at Now or Never Gallery |