When Adam and Rebekah Endemano realized their community didn’t have an event to honor the heroes of 9/11, they knew they had to change that. Coming from families with a strong background in firefighting, and with Adam’s two decades of service in the Army, they felt a deep sense of duty to give back and pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much that day. They decided to coordinate their first National Fallen Firefighters (NFFF) 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on September 7 at the Enterprise High School Football Stadium in Wiregrass, Alabama.
For Adam and Rebekah, the Wiregrass 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is not just an event; it’s a powerful way for their children—and families in their community—to remember the heroes who gave everything to save others. The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb supports the programs of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the FDNY Counseling Service Unit.
As Adam and Rebekah highlighted, the Wiregrass 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb allows people of all ages to unite and honor the lives lost on September 11th. Even though they don’t have a personal connection to the firefighters who died that day, they believe it’s important for everyone to honor the sacrifices made by the FDNY firefighters.
They also hope this event inspires other communities to start a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb – especially as we near the 25th anniversary. They said, “It’s all about fostering a spirit of remembrance. Supporting the NFFF and the FDNY Counseling Service Unit helps reinforce the values of courage and community that are important to our family.” The Endamanos also arranged to have the Huntsville Fire & Rescue Pipes & Drums make the five-hour trip to participate in the opening ceremony.
The 9/11 Memorial Wiregrass Stair Climb – just like all the stair climbs – is a meaningful way to remember and honor the sacrifice of the firefighters who died on September 11, 2001, and those who died since then of 9/11-related illnesses. Adam and Rebekah believe it’s essential for their children—and future generations—to keep the memory of that day alive, honor those we lost, and support the work of the NFFF and the FDNY Counseling Service Unit, who continue to help the families affected by 9/11.
