by Rachel Richardson

More than 350 people descended on the University of Cincinnati’s newly renovated Nippert Stadium Friday in remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

UC Army ROTC Master Sgt. Ralph Arias said he was in awe at the overwhelming community support for the inaugural event.  

“We didn’t know what to expect and the turnout was fabulous,” said Arias.  “Our city came together – from fire and police departments, Army, Air Force and Marines and UC students – we all came together to remember this day.  That’s why we’ve got the title of ‘Cincinnati Remembers.’

The early morning event challenged participants to climb 2,071 steps in 56 minutes—symbolic of the 110 floors of each of the World Trade Center towers – in memory of the more than 400 first responders and nearly 3,000 civilians who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S.

"It's challenging,” admitted Terence Harrison, program manager of the UC Veterans Programs & Services office, which hosted the event with the UC Army and Air Force ROTC detachments.  

“But at the same time we think about those firefighters who had all that gear on their backs wearing their protective equipment and helmets and carrying those hoses. So, if they can do it, then we can do this," he said.

The UC Army ROTC detachment held a scholarship drive during the event, with proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund in memory of Army Master Sgt. Corey Hood.  

The fund, to be administered by the Yellow Ribbon Foundation, honors the West Chester parachutist and 2001 Lakota West High School graduate who died Aug. 16 following an accident during a performance of the Chicago Air and Water Show.   

Hood, 32, a member of the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team, served five tours of duty in Iraq and received two Bronze stars and two Meritorious Service medals, among other accolades.  

Arias served with Hood and the two were stationed together often since 2005, he said.

Event organizers say they plan to make the event an annual one.  For more information, call the UC Veterans Programs and Services office at 513-556-6811, the UC Army ROTC office at 513-556-3660 or the UC Air Force ROTC office at 513-556-2237.