As the nation prepares for the 25th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is asking the nation to join the #ForThe343 movement.
Americans in nearly 250 communities — fire departments, influencers and a former Survivor winner among them — have already climbed more than 100,000 flights in tribute to the 343 firefighters who died in the line of duty on 9/11, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice since.
The call to action is simple: climb the equivalent of one flight of stairs, post a short video or photo to social media, then challenge three others to do the same, carrying the tribute from person to person and community to community in all 50 states.
“I was one of the members of the NFFF team that responded to New York immediately following 9/11 and witnessed the nation come together to support the fire service” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “Now we are asking the nation to stand with New York again and symbolically complete the climb these 343 heroes could not finish. We’re inviting everyone to climb from a firehouse, their workplace or their home, because every step helps us keep the promise to never forget.”
Anyone can step up #ForThe343 from wherever they are.
- Climb the equivalent of one flight of stairs, record a selfie video for social media, and challenge three others to keep the #ForThe343 movement growing.
- Find a climb near you and join one of the more than 115 official 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs taking place nationwide, including at Retro Fitness locations nationwide.
- Give back to the NFFF with a monthly gift of $9.11, or a one-time donation of your choosing, to directly support the programs benefiting Fire Hero Families and fire departments across the U.S.
Traditional in-person 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs are taking place in major markets including Denver, Charlotte, Nashville, and Long Beach, California, and at landmark venues such as Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Partners include 5.11, Inc., a global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), a non-profit advancing fire protections through advocacy, safety codes and legislation, and industry training, and SugarXR, an engagement platform that transforms any physical space into an interactive digital experience. Additionally, Retro Fitness, the popular fitness franchise, is amplifying the #ForThe343 movement by hosting 75 in-person climbs on 9/11.
Every act of remembrance is #ForThe343. Together, we can ensure the Fire Heroes who ran toward danger, and all who followed them during rescue and recovery, are never forgotten.
Find a climb, honor from anywhere, and join the movement at ForThe343.org.
