The second annual 7 Climbs for 9/11 was held on Sept. 11 at Mount Trashmore.
The event was started by a firefighter with 49 years of service who wanted a way to honor and remember not only the 343 firefighters but each of the 2,977 victims that were lost that day.
With the help of Zac Hornung, the recreation coordinator for the Mount Trashmore Trails and Overlook, this became a reality for Kirkwood Instructor John Conyn, as the two put together this annual event last year.
Climbing Mount Trashmore seven times is equivalent to the first responders who climbed to the top of the World Trade Center Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, according to Conyn and Hornung.
Conyn said that it didn’t matter if all participants could complete all seven climbs. “It doesn’t matter. This is just to serve as honor and tribute for those who aren’t here anymore.”
The event started with the presentation of the heroes’ flag and a moment of silence, and the climbers were off.
According to Hornung there were around 150 participants, 50 more than last year, including numerous firefighters from different departments and local citizens.
This year, Kirkwood Community College had a strong presence including Lauri Hughes, department coordinator and pre-nursing advisor, who made the climb last year, along with Mary Huffman, retired Student Services office coordinator.
The Kirkwood softball team had four players attend the event. Jessa DeMoss fire science, participated in the climb and is also a volunteer with the Hiawatha Fire Department.
She saw the event advertised at work and shared it with the rest of the softball team. All four players made the seven climbs. DeMoss finished the event in her bunker pants.
The majority of climbers completed all seven climbs, which was an increase compared to last year.
“It was great to see so many here and so many go for seven. It was an honor again this year to see so many people care and remember,” said Conyn.
Mount Trashmore is located at 2250 A Street SW, Cedar Rapids.
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