Saline County will host its annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Walk on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, to honor and remember the first responders and victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The community-wide event at the Benton High School Athletic Complex invites firefighters, first responders, and residents of all abilities to climb or walk in remembrance. Read more below.
The memorial event is dedicated to honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters, 71 police officers, 8 EMS personnel, and all the civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Participants will climb the stadium stairs, with each step representing a reflection on the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who ran toward danger.
The stair climb is designed to be fully inclusive for people of all physical abilities. For those unable to climb the stadium stairs, organizers have set up a walking path along the track surrounding the football field. Whether participants climb the steps or walk the track, all will take part in the same mission of remembrance.
The schedule for the morning is as follows:
- 7:30 a.m. – Event begins
- 8:00 a.m. – Onsite registration and check-in opens
- 8:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
- 9:00 a.m. – Memorial Stair Climb & Walk begins
- 11:00 a.m. – Stair Climb concludes
- 11:30 a.m. – Event concludes
All proceeds from the Saline County event will directly benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). These funds support programs honoring fallen American firefighters, assist their families and departments in times of need, and help fund critical services through the FDNY Counseling Service Unit.
Online registration is officially open and will close at midnight on Friday, Sept. 11. Interested participants can sign up through the NFFF’s official page at nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/saline26. For questions or further information, residents can contact Michael York at 501-772-6929 or visit the official Facebook event page.
Organizers ask that all participants enter the south side of the athletic complex via Hoover Street and park in the south parking lots. All first responders and their vehicles are instructed to park in the north parking lot.
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