DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A significant event took place at the Daytona International Speedway as hundreds of ROTC cadets from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University participated in a memorial stair climb to honor the heroes of September 11th.

The event commenced before dawn, with over 600 cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force ascending 2,100 stairs, symbolizing the number of steps New York City firefighters climbed during the 9/11 attacks.

This marks the second year that Embry-Riddle’s ROTC units have participated in this tribute. For the first time, United Airlines was involved, providing both support and reflecting on the tragedies it experienced during the attacks.

Paul Ryder, a United Airlines pilot, remarked, “For United, losing two aircraft with crew and passengers that day was deeply impactful. Today serves as an opportunity to honor the first responders and support the young students pursuing military careers to defend our nation.”

For cadets like sophomore Jacob Bradner, the stair climb was about ensuring a new generation carries the memory forward.

Bradner emphasized, “During the attacks, many firefighters and police officers in New York sacrificed their lives. It’s important that we continue to remember and honor this event.”

The tribute held personal significance for retired New York firefighter Francis Morrisey, who responded to the 9/11 attacks and lost close friends. This year, he witnessed his son, an Embry-Riddle senior cadet, participate in the climb.

“I lost a lot of good friends. Actually lost two chiefs out of my house, Freddy Sheffield and George Banks. They were both lost that morning,” Morrisey said. “But now the rate of people getting sick from everything they endured that day, I think we’re all over 400 on top of the 343.”

Morrisey said seeing his son honor those sacrifices filled him with pride.

“He’s an unbelievable kid who works really hard. He’s doing everything right. I couldn’t be prouder,” he said. “I just don’t want them to forget. It was a major attack on us, and shortly after we got to see the community come together so unbelievably.”

Organizers say the climb is more than a test of endurance, it’s a way to instill honor, resilience and remembrance in the next generation.

[MORE: Here are the 9/11 ceremonies, remembrance events happening in Central Florida this year]