NFFF launches #ForThe343 movement ahead of 9/11 anniversary
Lewis Tyler
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The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is calling on communities across the US to honour the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11 by taking part in a nationwide stair-climbing tribute
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has launched the #ForThe343 movement, encouraging people across the US to climb a flight of stairs in remembrance of the firefighters who lost their lives.
Participants are asked to climb the equivalent of one flight of stairs, share a photo or short video on social media and challenge three others to take part. The initiative aims to build a nationwide tribute across all 50 states.
According to the NFFF, people in nearly 250 communities have already climbed more than 100,000 flights of stairs as part of the campaign, honouring the 343 firefighters killed in the 9/11 attacks and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice since.
“I was one of the members of the NFFF team that responded to New York immediately following 9/11 and witnessed the nation come together to support the fire service,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF.
“Now we are asking the nation to stand with New York again and symbolically complete the climb these 343 heroes could not finish.”
More than 115 official 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs are also taking place across the US, with traditional events scheduled in cities including Denver, Charlotte, Nashville and Long Beach, California.
Stair climbs will also take place at major venues including Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Retro Fitness is hosting 75 in-person climbs on September 11.
The NFFF is also encouraging supporters to donate, including through a monthly gift of $9.11, to support programmes benefiting Fire Hero Families and fire departments.
The campaign is supported by partners including 5.11, the National Fire Sprinkler Association and SugarXR.
Stagnaro added: “We’re inviting everyone to climb from a firehouse, their workplace or their home, because every step helps us keep the promise to never forget.”
People can take part in the #ForThe343 movement or find a local stair climb through ForThe343.org.