It is hard to believe that 25 years have passed since September 11, 2001.

Like so many people, I can still remember where I was when I first heard what was happening. I remember watching the events unfold and slowly realizing that this was a day that would change countless lives and become one of those moments in history that people would never forget.

Twenty-five years later, the images and stories from that day still carry tremendous weight.

This year, I had the opportunity to take part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Crunch Fitness alongside members of the Brantford Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 460 and my climbing partner, PC Thomas Smith.

Interestingly enough, I hadn’t arrived that day planning to climb.

When I got there, the question was pretty simple: How do you want to support? When do you want to walk?

That was apparently all it took.

My wife, Tabitha, raced home to grab our shoes, came back, and before long we were climbing. I can tell you that by the time it was over, I was exhausted. Tabitha, on the other hand, barely seemed to break a sweat.

Together with everyone participating that day, we were there for something much bigger than the physical challenge.

Thomas and I each climbed 55 floors, 110 combined in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11.

I captured a few moments from the climb and shared some thoughts afterward about the experience and what the 110 combined floors represented.

Watch the video from the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb here.

On the surface, it was a workout. But as we climbed, it was impossible not to think about what those stairs represented.

On September 11, firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders entered buildings that thousands of people were desperately trying to escape. They climbed stairwell after stairwell carrying heavy equipment, knowing they were heading toward danger because there were people above them who needed help.

Many of them never came back down.

That perspective changes the meaning of every floor.

For us, there was a finish line. We knew that when the climb was over, we would catch our breath, take off our shoes and eventually go home to our families. For so many first responders that morning, there was no such certainty.

That thought stayed with me.

September 11 is remembered for the incredible loss of life, but it is also remembered for remarkable examples of courage, sacrifice and service.

It reminds us of the people who ran toward danger when every instinct would have told them to run away. It reminds us of the families whose lives changed forever that morning. And it reminds us that behind every number associated with September 11 was a person someone’s parent, child, spouse, friend or colleague.

Participating in the Memorial Stair Climb was a small way for us to honour them.

Twenty-five years later, an entire generation has now grown up without personally remembering the events of September 11, 2001. That makes remembering, sharing these stories and continuing traditions like the Memorial Stair Climb even more important.

We remember those who were lost.

We remember the families who were forever changed.

We remember the first responders who answered the call.

And we remember the courage shown on one of history’s darkest days.

Twenty-five years later, the message remains the same.

Never forget.