On Sept. 11, our nation will gather together in an act of remembrance to honor the men and women who perished in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. These services will also honor the passengers and crew members of Flight 93, who fought against their hijackers to prevent a third attack on the U.S. Capitol. Families will gather to remember the loved ones they have lost. They will revisit gravesites and reflect on the aftermath of those tragic events. Our nation will participate in ceremonies, educational lectures, events and moments of silence.
In recognition of the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, the University of North Georgia Department of Recreation and Wellness is introducing a new university-wide event called The Nighthawk 9/11 Challenge. Students, faculty and staff are invited to join together in climbing 2,071 stairs—the equivalent of the 110 stories that first responders climbed to rescue and recover victims. This challenge aims to pay tribute to the firefighters, police officers and other emergency service personnel who stepped bravely into the smoking and crumbling ruins to help. A large number of them never stepped out.
Coordinator Sara Freeman stresses the importance of remembering and honoring those who died that day. She also recognizes that a growing number of university students, having grown up without any firsthand experiences of 9/11, often become numb or even dismissive towards the annual memorials.
“We all grew up with those ‘see you at the poll’ events that maybe are [at] elementary schools and high schools… I think once you get into college, it’s just like another day.” — Sara Freeman, Coordinator of The Nighthawk 9/11 Challenge
Given the opportunity to engage in this challenge, Freeman hopes students will gain a better understanding of what occurred and what it means to participate in this yearly remembrance.
“Most of the students now at UNG weren’t alive when this happened, so a lot of them don’t really see the importance of remembering, the importance of honoring the people who lost their lives,” she said.
Beginning Sept. 4 until Sept. 11, participants will have the opportunity to complete this challenge on their own time by recording their progress and submitting it through a form provided. In addition, participants have the option to attend the in-person gathering on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at any UNG campus. Those choosing to participate on the Dahlonega campus can join the athletic teams in the climb. The locations on each campus for this challenge are to be announced.