New generation remembers 9/11 during MoWest memorial climb

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Missouri Western State University honored those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks during its annual stair climb Friday morning.

Students, first responders, veterans and community members joined together to climb 110 stories in remembrance and to honor the victims, first responders and heroes who sacrificed during and after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Twenty-five years later, a new generation is carrying on the remembrance of those who lost their lives in a tragedy they never experienced firsthand.

MoWest Student, Ethan High was born in 2007, five years after the attack. He was six years old when he first learned about the Sept. 11th attacks from his parents.

High said participating in the stair climb leaves him feeling humbled.

"Knowing that I get to do the same thing that other people are doing," he said.

High said the new generation has a responsibility to remember and honor those who were lost, rather than letting their stories be forgotten.

"It's something we can’t move past either, and it’s something our country definitely needs to remember going forward," he said.

MoWest Student, Kenna Evans was born in 2008, six years after the attack. She learned about the Sept. 11th attacks when she was in the first grade.

Evans said the stair climb allows her to spread awareness.

"It’s something that’s not forgotten," she said.

Evans said everyone should know about the tragedy of 9/11, especially those who live in the United States.

"I think it was something that was so sensitive for our country, and so life-changing for all those people that we’re involved," she said.

The St. Joseph Youth Alliance brought a group of students out to join in the stair climb.

Adison Tompkins was born in 2008, six years after the attack. He learned about the attacks in school during the fourth grade.

Tompkins feels good about participating in the stair climb.

"We’re honoring it in a way, and everyone who lost their lives that day," he said.

Tompkins said this day needs to be honored and remembered.

"Everyone should know about it, no matter how old it is or how many generations, everybody should learn about it. Multiple lives were lost," he said.

Chasity Tompkins was born in 2004, three years after the attack. She also learned about the attacks in school during the fourth grade.

Tompkins said she feels honored to participate in the stair climb and believes it is important to honor those affected by the tragedy.

"It was still a very tragic event, and it should still be honored every year no matter what," she said.

Everyone shared the same sentiment 9/11 should never be forgotten.