First responders climb Tower of the Americas on 9/11 to pay tribute to fallen heroes

SAN ANTONIO – Hundreds of first responders climbed the Tower of the Americas Sunday to pay tribute to the heroes who lost their lives 21 years ago inside the World Trade Center.

It’s a reminder of the 415 first responders who knowingly sacrificed their lives trying to save people from the falling World Trade Center.

“They didn’t second guess anything. They went straight in there and they did what they need to do. And that’s what we do as firefighters. We go straight in,” firefighter Amber Lopez said.

Many of the firefighters climb wearing full gear. Inside the tower, photos of fallen heroes are displayed on every flight in the stairwell.

Firefighter Aron Kagan said he has participated in the event for five years now. As a New Yorker, it’s personal to him.

This year Kagan wore the name tag of Michael D’aura, one of the 343 firefighters who died.

“We’re here to finish what they started. And it’s really important to me to be able to do this every year,” firefighter Aron Cagan said. “Remember to teach your loved ones about honoring this day and what this day is really about for all of us.”

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