EVANS, Ga. ()- Columbia County Fire Rescue extends an invitation to everyone to attend a ceremony that pays tribute not only to those who lost their lives but specifically to the 343 FDNY firefighters who perished in the World Trade Center attacks.

They will start with a Presentation of Colors, then a last call, ringing of the bell, and close with a prayer.

Following the ceremony, the firefighters will ascend 55 flights of stairs, repeating the climb 32 times, symbolizing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center.

One firefighter tells me what motivates him during this stair climb.

“Typically, we carry a badge that includes the name and a photo of one of the individuals who were lost that day. I glance at that badge and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice they made. Enduring some pain and discomfort becomes easier when you think about what they gave,” explained Lt. Michael Aguilar of Columbia County Fire Rescue.

The ceremony begins at 8am here at The Plaza Parking Deck in Evans Town Center.

Anyone can join in the stair climb following the ceremony.