The Kalamazoo 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb featured a section of a steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center following the 9-11 attacks in 2001.

WTC Steel closeup
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Sunday, September 11 was all about hero worship as firefighters, students, spectators and stair climbers gathered at Kalamazoo's Wings Event Center to mark the somber 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001.

A tangible reminder was on display in the form of a chunk of steel from the twin towers. The section of beam, weighing about 700 lbs. was on loan from the Battle Creek Fire Department for this special 9-11 event.

Photo: Bobby Guy
Photo: Bobby Guy
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Another item stirred feelings and brought tears to the corner of this grown man's eye: an American flag made from fire hoses. While this may seem like merely an interesting Pinterest project, what makes it remarkable is that the flag was handmade to be donated to the family of FDNY Firefighter Patrick O'Keefe, one of the 343 firefighters who bravely gave their lives 15 years ago. Patrick's family came to Kalamazoo to climb and to pay respect to all the men and women who were lost.

Peruse the photos of this memorable event as hundreds gathered in Kalamazoo to honor the heroes of 9-11.

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