More than 20 years later, community reflects on 9/11 [Video]

With water, snacks and plenty of high-fives from local firefighters, the stair climb is as much of a physical challenge as it is an emotional one.

“It’s a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience displayed by first responders on that fateful day,” Elisah McGee, CEO of Freedom Defense Group, said of Sept. 11, 2001. “We climb to honor their bravery, to never forget and to remind ourselves of the sacrifices that continue to be made every day.”

Saturday was the 4th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Challenge hosted by Freedom Defense Group at Monument Terrace in downtown Lynchburg.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the event invited …