My hero

Today Mike participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

This event started in Denver and has grown over the past few years. Members of the fire department gather on September 11 and climb the equivalent of 110 stories--the height of the The World Trade Center.

This is the first year the event was held in Richmond and was located in downtown Richmond at the Suntrust building.

This is what they climbed!!

Let's forget the fact that I locked myself out of the house AGAIN this morning and had to beg Weston to drive me at 8:00 am. He ended up staying to watch the climb and I am eternally grateful for him!

At 9 am the bagpipes starting playing 'Amazing Grace'

 

And over 300 firefighters marched down the street, ready to climb.

It was an overwhelming experience to hear the bagpipes and see everyone in uniform, honoring those lost. Each firefighter wore a badge with the name of a fireman who died in the World Trade Center collapse.

Luckily I spotted my fireman before he started his ascent.

Family and friends were able to ride to the 22nd floor so they could watch as each participant reached the top story. What a view!

We were able to see Mike at the end of each of his 5 trips up the stairs. Event participants were able to wear anything from shorts to full turn-out gear; as you can see, Mike went all out.

Once they finished their 5 trips up the 22 stories, each firefighter rang a bell and yelled out the name of the fallen member of the fire department they were climbing for. One person was climbing for his chief who died that day. This was both a sad and emotional moment because you were sad of what you were climbing for but thrilled to have completed the feat in that person's honor.

I barely caught Mike finish--he was overheated and needed to get that gear off!

I am so proud of him for achieving this accomplishment!

I appreciate him and everyone else who risks their lives to protect us on a daily basis. Never forget.