DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – ROTC cadets from Embry-Riddle University and other Volusia County colleges participated in a 2,100-step memorial stair climb in honor of the first responders who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 attacks.
“Having the police officers, having the firefighters in my family, it was always a somber day but a day that we had to hold strong and remember so we then can continue to have events like this,” said Cadet Lt. Colonel Shane McCutcheon, U.S. Army.
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The 22-year-old was among the many young cadets who took part in the event — an age group that wasn’t even born when the attacks occurred in 2001.
“It just represents the mentality we all try to uphold that we go into a fight that we don’t back down and we don’t hesitate,” McCutcheon said.
This was the first year a stair climb has been held at Daytona International Speedway.
“Sept. 12, 2023, my colonel wanted to do this event and saw some other universities doing it and we decided to put this together so I’ve been planning it since then, but obviously it’s a big historical event for our nation,” said Sergent First Class Justin Golder, U.S. Army.
First responders including Volusia County Fire Rescue members also attended the stair climb. News 6 spoke to Division Chief Meghan Quartier, who brought her gear to wear for the event.
“For us to be able to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice is an honor,” said Quartier.
Cadets from Stetson University, Daytona State College, and Bethune-Cookman University — in addition to members of the Volusia County Sherrif’s Office, Daytona Beach Police and firefighters, and the Daytona Beach Beach Patrol — were also invited to participate.
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