On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, GS ROTC cadets, instructors, and local firefighters descended upon Paulson Stadium at 5:30am to participate in the annual stair climb.
The cadets completed the march alongside their military science instructors and local firefighters, who wore all of their gear in honor of the responders who lost their lives at the World Trade Center. Each cadet wore a badge with the name and picture of a first responder who made the final sacrifice while saving the lives of the people inside of the buildings.
“Today they showed that they are motivated and they pushed through. This was the best year that we’ve had for the stair climb, as far as motivation and nobody quitting on themselves,” said Chesley Brewton, Eagle Battalion’s Cadet Executive Officer.
Throughout the event, the cadets could be heard encouraging one another, some holding back emotions brought on by listening to the 911 calls made on the day of the attack and the patriotic music playing over the speakers.
“We’re just here to remember our brothers,” said Bulloch County Firefighter Chandler Cowart. “Three hundred forty-three died at the twin towers on day 9/11.”
Once the battalion finished the task, they had refreshments before gathering in the center of the football field and listening to some of their instructors talk about the tragic events and how they changed the United States.
“I can remember when I was a high school senior, it was 2001 when this event occurred, and that sense of vulnerability that the nation had afterwards,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Bingham. “It’s important that we remember that sense of vulnerability, we never get too comfortable.”
Although many of the cadets and firefighters that participated in the memorial event at Paulson Stadium were not alive during the attacks, they are helping to make sure the brave first responders and victims are always remembered.
