Los Alamos firefighters set out on the 2019 9/11 Memorial Climb. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Sometimes 9/11 2001 seems like such a long time ago and sometimes it feels like it just happened. This year, with the 20th anniversary coming up this Saturday, many people are thinking about where they were when the news broke, the horror, the disbelief, the shock and the sadness they felt. Some are wondering how to mark the occasion in a meaningful way.
Los Alamos Fire Department Honor Guard and International Firefighter Association, IAFF Local 3279 have held 9/11 Memorial Climb up Pajarito Mountain for the last eight years. Honor Guard member Firefighter Rick Acedo says this year’s event is expected to be the biggest so far.
“9/11 brought us together as Americans and this year, with the 20th anniversary and the ongoing pandemic affecting our country, the commemoration at Pajarito is a good way for us all to get together,” Acedo said.
He invited community members of all ages to be at the Pajarito Ski Lodge shortly before 9 a.m. Saturday morning as participants prepare to hike 1,100 feet uphill commemorating the 343 firefighters and all others who lost their lives on 9/11 2001. It is not necessary to hike up the hill to show support. Refreshments will be offered following the hike. COVID-19 safe practices will be observed. Participants are welcome to hike at their own pace.
“The phrase. “We will never forget,” has become cliched for some, but we will never forget the lives lost on September 11, 2001,” Acedo said.