With just days remaining, first responders can still register to join Discovery Park and the Union City, Tennessee, Fire Department for a moving tribute honoring those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. First responders will climb Cooper Tower 10 times, equivalent to the World Trade Center’s 110 stories.
This meaningful event raises funds for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, supporting families of firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thanks to our dedicated participants and donors, we’re just a couple hundred dollars away from reaching this year’s fundraising goal.
The museum will open an hour early so visitors can watch and encourage the climbers.
Union City firefighters will once again partner with Discovery Park of America to host the annual Sept. 11 Memorial Stair Climb on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.
Participation in the climb is open to any active or former member of the fire service, police, military, EMS or other first responder agency. Members of the public are also welcome to climb in honor of a loved one who is or was a member of one of these agencies. Climbers must be 18 or older. The cost to climb is $40, which includes a T-shirt and swag bag. All proceeds benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
The climb begins with a memorial ceremony and presentation as a way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Climbers will be given an ID badge with a photo of a first responder who lost their life on 9/11. As they climb the steps, the stairwell will be filled with posters and words of encouragement from local students.
Immediate family members of the climbers will receive free admission to Discovery Park on the day of the climb. After the climb is over, UCFD Chaplain Brother Tony Keaton serves a meal to thank participants for their support.
The museum will open an hour early so those purchasing tickets to Discovery Park can watch and encourage the firefighters as they climb the stairs.