Green Bay West High School hosts its annual 9/11 stair climb event, September 11, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A Green Bay high school’s annual 9/11 stair climb gained momentum with support from special guests.
West High School students scaled the bleachers at Del Marcelle Stadium Thursday morning to recognize the 24th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
The event tries to give students a small glimpse into what firefighters had to endure that day. Carrying more than 100 pounds of gear on them, New York City firefighters climbed 110 flights of stairs in the World Trade Center to save lives.
Firefighters from Green Bay station #3 joined, bringing their fire truck and real gear for students to wear.
The National Guard was also there with a Humvee and additional weighted backpacks for students who wanted to carry.
Autumn Matz, physical education and health department head at Green Bay West, says she hopes students can appreciate what first responders did on that tragic day.
“Twenty-four years ago, they [the students] weren’t around, they don’t know about this, so always just a good thing to honor our local firemen, our National Guard come out, so appreciative of what they do everyday for us,” Matz said. “The world today could use a lot more love and kindness and honoring people that would give their lives to save us.”
Green Bay West High School senior and National Guard member, Pryce Williquette says the weighted backpack helps him understand.
“It really sucked that that event happened and it’s just so unfortunate that they put their lives up for that and so many families with missing fathers and it’s very upsetting,” he said.
Governor Tony Evers ordered flags across Wisconsin to fly at half-staff Thursday in honor of 9/11 and State Day of Service and Remembrance. The executive order pays respect to the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Additionally, it declares Thursday as a state Day of Service and Remembrance to encourage all Wisconsinites to commit acts of service and give back to local neighbors and communities.
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