Hundreds of firefighters and first responders gathered at Stone Mountain Park to hike to the summit on the somber anniversary of 9/11.
This marked the 10th annual climb to remember the lives lost on that tragic day and honor the heroes. Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach joined them on the hike.
It’s a difficult walk-up, with just a microphone and notepad but most of the firefighters are in full turnout gear.
What started with a small group of Fayetteville firefighters has grown to nearly 400 participants. They gathered to hike the mile trail to the top of Stone Mountain, in honor of the 110 floors of the Twin Towers, remembering the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11.
“Very proud. It’s humbling, but that’s what we want to do. We’re not going to forget,” said Division Chief Keith Harris from the Fayetteville Fire Department.
Some carried air tanks, and fire hoses, along with officers in SWAT gear, or soldiers with full packs, feeling every step. This year was especially poignant for two departments carrying heavy hearts.