9/11/2026 25 year 9/11 Memorial Incline
We’re living in a time where so much of the impact from 9/11 has been long forgotten … it seems to be merely an event in the history books, no longer revered by today’s generation.
25 years later, my eyes brim with tears and emotion when I see photos, memories or tributes to 09/01/01 … for me, it will forever be etched in my heart. As a the daughter of a retired Marine who recently retired months before this happened, I remember the fear of him being called back into duty, fear over what might lay ahead for our country, grief over all that was lost.
It is my fear that one day soon, this will be nothing more than a 9 year old asking what we were doing that day … and each of us will pause, and we will remember. And we must … we have to, we are the generation that carries it, for the memory of what America used to be, what we learned, and how we moved forward, for the lives lost and the courage that emerged on that day and weeks after.
It is not just another day … it is Patriot’s Day … and should be treated with reverence, but also finding our own ounce of undiscovered courage to continue living for those who could no longer.
I’ve conquered the incline twice before and knew on 9/11, this is where I wanted to be, whether others joined me or not. Twice before we attempted to group schedule this adventure, but life happened. 6 women showed up … one who had never before attempted, and 5 more who had once conquered this beast. Every one of us stood at the bottom with anticipation and dedication, but I believe many of us wondered how it would actually go.
At various marks throughout the climb, we met folks from across the country, many firefighters in their gear, the emotion in their faces clearly evident. And with each one, the commitment to climb grew stronger. We know what 9/11 means to us individually, but to them? We can only imagine. And with 75 or more lbs of extra gear? Incredible.
For all of us, every step was a win. For some, 1800 was their victory! For others, the number 2768 is forever ingrained in our calf muscles, knees and quads! Despite where we all ended up, we found ourself back at the bottom after a 3 mile descent, dirt on our hands and pants, fire in our hearts, pride in our eyes and exhaustion everywhere. We celebrated with lunch after the adventure, a toast to those who attempted this ridiculous climb and found their victory in every step.
9/11 … you will forever be a very real memory, not just an event written in a textbook. I welcome any student who wants to ask where I was … now, or 90 years from now … and I will tell you every detail. We were given the gift of moving our bodies, we took advantage of every breath that so many others lost on that day.
I’m so grateful and proud of the She Is | Invicta women who chose to honor 9/11 in this way with me.
- Ariana Hall
