Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming communities mark 25 years since 9/11 with memorial events
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Communities across Eastern Idaho are coming together Thursday to mark 25 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with memorial ceremonies, stair climbs, tributes and opportunities for service.
Several events are planned throughout the day to honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, as well as the first responders, military members, and ordinary Americans who stepped up in the aftermath of the attacks.
Idaho Falls 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
The Idaho Falls Police Department is partnering with Anheuser-Busch for the fourth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
First responders are climbing the stairs at the Idaho Falls Malting Facility, recreating the 110-floor climb of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers.
The climb represents more than 2,000 steps for each tower.
The stairs will remain open around the clock through September 11, allowing first responders to participate when their schedules allow.
The stair climb is not open to the public. However, community members can support the cause by donating to one of five local charities that assist first responders.
Rexburg Pipe Brigade holds final 9/11 performance
In Rexburg, the day begins at 7 a.m. at Station One with a flag raising and bell tolling.
The Rexburg Pipe Brigade will also hold a Patriot Day memorial ceremony at 6 p.m. at Porter Park, featuring bagpipe music and a tribute to September 11.
This year's performance carries additional significance as the Pipe Brigade prepares to retire following its final performance.
The brigade says it is grateful for 17 years of community support.
Snow King Hill Climb in Jackson
In Jackson, participants will take part in the annual Snow King Hill Climb, beginning at 4 p.m.
Participants will climb 1,500 feet — representing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.
Each participant will carry an Idaho badge honoring a first responder who served on September 11, 2001.
A community barbecue will also be held at the base of Snow King, with free water and T-shirts available while supplies last.
New this year, participants can listen to actual NYFD radio communications from the day of the attacks.
Jackson Hole memorial ceremony
The community's 9/11 memorial ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. at Town Square in Idaho Falls.
The ceremony will provide an opportunity for members of the community to gather and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, as well as honor those who responded.
Bannock County Patriot Day commemoration
The annual 9/11 Patriot Day Commemoration begins at 5:30 p.m. on the front steps of the Bannock County Courthouse.
This year's ceremony will include a flag-raising ceremony and a chronological recounting of the events of September 11 by Sixth District Judge Rick Carnaroli.
Organizers say the ceremony will honor the lives lost, as well as the first responders and ordinary Americans who stepped up that day.
Following the ceremony, local veterans groups will host a community dinner at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building.
The event is open to everyone.
America-250 Freedom Festival
Also Thursday evening, the America-250 Idaho Freedom Festival begins at 6 p.m. at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
Family-friendly activities begin at 5 p.m. and will include a look at the Idaho Liberty Bell, children's activities, and other events.
The evening will feature a veterans tribute, flag ceremony, and history trivia competition, along with live music from Jay Osmond and Eagle Rock Pipes and Drums.
Organizers are also encouraging residents to participate in the America-250 Act of Service Challenge by completing an act of kindness or service in their community.
For many communities across Eastern Idaho, the events offer different ways to pause and remember 25 years after September 11 — from honoring first responders through physical challenges and ceremonies to finding ways to serve others in their own communities.
