Greenbelters Invited to Join Firefighters in 9/11 Stair Climb

Greenbelt will be the site of the only National Fallen Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Maryland or the District of Columbia that is being held this Sept. 11.

Though originally slated for firefighters only, the stair climb is now open to Greenbelt residents and others who wish to take part.

The 10th anniversary tribute has firemen flocking here from near and far, including participants from Maryland, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Texas — even New Orleans firefighters have been invited.

Participants will climb the stairs in the Maryland Trade Center I high-rise at 7500 Greenway Center Drive on Sunday morning. In hand, they'll carry the photograph and biographical sketch of a firefighter who was lost that day.

There is a walk planned as well, so participants have a choice of going up and down the stairs until they reach the equivalent of the 110 stories in the World Trade Center — or taking part in a three-mile memorial walk.

Three hundred and forty three firefighters lost their lives in 9/11, and the co-chair for the stair climb's Maryland chapter, Kellie Bornman, is hoping 343 participants will take in the tribute to them.

For a long time, only 60 people had signed up to take part, but a couple of days ago it grew to 108, Bornman said. As of Friday, 147 had signed up. Bornman said she still has hope that 343 will participate.

Cost to Participate: Proceeds Go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

• $25 for the stair climb

• $15 for the walk

Schedule of Events

• 7 a.m. — Registration

• 8 a.m. — Program. It includes speakers, such as the Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor and other firefighters. Bornman said they also hope to read the names of all 343 who fell and ring a bell for each one.

• 9:05 a.m. sharp — The first climbers go up. Bornman said the first firefighters who arrived at the World Trade Center began their climb and sent out a dispatch to other firefighters at 9:05 a.m.

Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department Reception

• 12 noon — Doors open at the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department, at 125 Crescent Road, for a reception with food (hamburgers, hot dogs, sides and more). Those who participate in the memorial stair climb or walk get in free. Others pay $5.

• 1 p.m. — The band F.T. Blindman begins playing.

More Information

Interested parties can gain information or signup online, email Md911stairclimb@aol.com or call Kellie Bornman at 202.627.8304

The Maryland Chapter of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is co-chaired by Bornman and her sister Gloria Lowe. The committee is made up of volunteer firefighters and career firefighters in Prince George’s County, who have come together as a group to pay tribute to their fallen brothers.