To honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, the annual 9/11 Stair Climb is taking place this morning –Thursday, September 11 — at Lakeshore High School’s Al Stockman Stadium.

The event this year is being hosted by the Stevensville American Legion after its previous corporate sponsor was unable to host again, and it was actually a couple of community members who decided to take up the mantle and keep the remembrance going. Jill and Steven Phenegar heard there were no plans for a stair climb and decided they’d take it on. That’s when they reached out to the head of the legion’s auxiliary.

Jill says there was immediate interest.

“She was also reaching out, like saying, ‘When does this happen? We want to help.’  So as soon as they cross paths, just mentioning it, she dove in. Man, she has found so many things for us.”

The Phenegars tell us Lakeshore Public Schools was open and supportive of holding the event at its stadium after it was previously held in St. Joseph. Now, they’re inviting everyone to the high school to walk the stairs in memory of those who were lost 24 years before.

Steven says they hope a big crowd comes to take part.

“This started out on the steps of St. Joseph. It was a small, small event and it’s grown into this from the community. So the important thing is that it just happens again this year. And there’s a place for people to do it if they want.”

People can climb 2,071 steps to represent the number of stairs in the World Trade Center, or they can choose a different number. Jill says local first responders will be present, along with the American Legion Honor Guard.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. and parking will be at Kohn Soccer Field on the south side of the stadium only.