HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 attacks, a new generation is learning about the lives lost and the first responders who ran toward danger. In Hanover County, students, educators, community members and first responders gathered Friday, Sept. 11 for an annual stair climb honoring those who died on 9/11. Participants climbed and walked a total of 2,200 steps, symbolizing the dangerous trek first responders made as they climbed the 110-story World Trade Center towers to rescue others. “The stair climb is that way for us to come out and suffer together a bit and just, you know, bring back 25 years ago, especially to the younger generation who wasn’t around during that time, to make sure we don’t forget all those people,” said Jennifer Wayne, a criminal justice teacher at Hanover High School. Wayne has spearheaded the event, which is now in its 10th year. For the students participating, Sept. 11, 2001, was not a lived experience, which is why Wayne says teaching the history of the tragedy is so important. “They watch the documentaries and we study about it and learn about it in class. And then they all get to choose a first responder of their choice that they’d like to do a memorial project on. And this is like our final way to just show tribute,” Wayne said. For some students, the event carried a personal connection. “My grandma was there when it happened, and I was thinking about all the firefighters and all those who tried to make it out but couldn’t make it out,” one student said. Hanover firefighters also took part in the climb while wearing full gear. Some say they experienced a small fraction of the physical strain first responders faced that day. “What I was feeling is nothing in comparison to what they were feeling so it made me push myself even harder,” said Lt. Chris Fessler with Hanover Fire EMS. For educators, the event is about more than remembering the past. They hope it also teaches students about what it means to serve others and the responsibility that comes with being a first responder. “I want them to take away that they can be in these positions one day as being first responders... and actually knowing more about it so they can have more educated conversations with their peer groups.” Wayne said. ...read more read less