2nd Annual 9-11 Stair Climb

AO: Black Water

When: 2025-09-11

QIC: Ma Bell

PAX (31): Bagel, Brokeback, Cha-Ching, Ditch Witch, Fauci, Fishing Pole, Flambeaux, Grimace, la-Z-boy, Ma Bell, Mantooth, Marsha, Maybelline, Mr. Hand, Pinkman, Pokey, Relient, Schrute, Simple Jack, Snake, Snowden, Snowman, Spit Valve, Spotlight, Sweetchuck, Swiper, UMass-Todd Doherty, Vanna, Whiz, Anchor Man, Six String

Preamble:

Men, today we gather not for a CSAUP, but for a purpose. We honor—albeit F3 style—the 343 NY firefighters who faced the unthinkable on September 11, 2001. While thousands fled or desperately tried to escape the collapsing towers, those brave men and women ran toward the chaos, straight into fire, smoke, and uncertainty. They climbed floor after floor searching for and helping people, not for recognition, but out of their commitment to protect, serve, and save lives—no matter the cost to them. That commitment never wavered. They battled exhaustion, heat, fear, and the weight of their gear—and, little did they know at the time, the weight of the world. But they kept going, driven by the hope that every floor ascended and every rescue made could make a difference. Because that’s how firefighters think. With their courage and effort, they showed us what it truly means to put others before self—to conquer fear with love and duty. Today, as you climb, remember: the pain in your legs and the fire in your lungs are temporary and nothing compared to what they endured. When you feel like stopping, climb harder. When your body begs for relief, push through. This is our opportunity to honor their legacy—not with words, but with grit and effort. Let every step be a tribute to their determination. That day changed our nation forever. Their sacrifice left holes in families and communities. So as we take on this challenge, do it with a resolve worthy of their sacrifice.

Warm-O-Rama:

No need

The Thang:

Climb 110 flights of stairs carrying heavy stuff

COT:

Name-o-rama: 31 Announcements Music and words (see NMS) TAPS Picture

Naked-Man Moleskin:

Those heroes reminded us that we can also find courage in our everyday lives. Their example showed us the value of selflessness and left us with the challenge to step forward when called for, to stand firm in our convictions, and to serve others, even when that path is hard. We learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. This hits at the heart of F3. We do hard things every morning so that we can be ready for the challenges in our lives. I mentioned before we started that the attack on 9/11 and the loss of these 343 firefighters (and thousands of others) affected our country deeply. It left voids in families, in communities, in brotherhoods, in companies. It terrified us all. But it also united us in a way few events ever have. In their sacrifice, we found a renewed sense of purpose, an understanding of the price paid by those who safeguard our freedom and security, and most importantly: a reminder of our shared humanity. Somehow, we’ve lost some of that. Let it not take an event like 9/11 for us to get that back. I want us not just to honor the memory of the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11 in these words and this event today, but in our actions every day. Let us strive to build a community and a world worthy of their sacrifice, a world that reflects their values of unity (2nd F), compassion (3rd F), and resilience (1st F). Finally, let us never forget and forever be grateful for the example they set for us all. In those final moments, they became symbols of what it means to put others before oneself, to embody a love that is greater than fear, and to stand resolute in the face of terror.

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