Run honors fallen 9/11 first responders

Nearly 17 years ago America was changed forever with the September 11 attacks. Saturday, Idahoans ran in memory of the first responders who lost their lives that day.

“The America of September 10, it was not the America of September 12,” said special guest at the race, Captain Kevin Calhoun with the New York Fire Department.

Racers took to the starting line Saturday morning for the 9/11 Fallen Hero Tribute Memorial, helping honor the more than 400 first responders who lost their lives. Local first responders were on hand as part of the tribute including a special guest from the New York Fire Department, Captain Calhoun.

“For people across the country to remember it and to support it is just reassuring that the gentlemen and the firefighters and officers and civilians that lost their lives that day all doing heroic acts did not do it in vain,” Calhoun said.

Participants could carry the name of a first responder who died and walk or run in their honor. Organizers say it is important to remember the events of that day nearly 17 years ago.

“I think as time goes on there is more of a tendency to forget or be a more distant memory,” said race organizer Kristi Jensen. “We want to keep that in people’s minds because that really changed our world. And it changed what it means to be a first responder.”

As the anniversary approaches, many are remembering the day America changed.

“This is as clear a day as it was on 9/11, that day,” Calhoun said. “So it’s kind of, I always look up at the sky during this time and say, wow.”

Proceeds from the event go towards the Idaho Fallen Firefighter Foundation, the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society, which provides training for firefighters, and the Fraternal Order of Police.