Muscatine first responders will remember the victims and heroes on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that reshaped the nation.
At 7 a.m., during the Fire Department shift change, a wreath will be laid and a moment of silence held at the memorial outside the Public Safety Building at the Muscatine Firefighters Memorial, located at East 5th and Cedar streets.
The brief ceremony, held rain or shine, will honor the 2,977 lives lost, including 343 firefighters, 23 NYPD officers, 37 Port Authority Police Department officers, eight volunteer/EMS personnel, and one New York Fire Patrol member who made the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day.
The annual stair climb will follow at the Muscatine High School Stadium, with everyone asked to arrive by 8 a.m. Participation does not require climbing — staff and supporters are encouraged to attend even if they are not walking the 2,200 steps symbolizing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center.
MUSCO employees who worked at the site will raise a Ground Zero flag, followed by brief remarks, a presentation of colors, and the bell ring at 8:46 a.m. to begin the climb. After all climbers finish, the Ground Zero flag will be retired with a final moment of silence.
MPW will display its large flag at the stadium, and the high bridge lights will shine red, white, and blue that evening.
Those attending should park only in the Cedar Street or Bonnie Drive lots, using any unpainted, open space.
Pre-climb events include a welcome from Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark at 8:15 a.m., remarks from Muscatine Fire Chief Mike Hartman at 8:20 a.m., the presentation of colors by the Honor Guard at 8:31 a.m., the playing of the national anthem by the Muscatine High School Marching Band at 8:37 a.m., and a prayer from Chaplain Roy Patterson at 8:40 a.m.
The stair climb replicates the 110 stories of the World Trade Center — 2,200 steps — symbolizing the determination of firefighters who climbed toward danger to save others. Bells will sound throughout the event to mark the timeline of the 9/11 attacks.
Each climber will ring a bell upon completing their climb and call out the name of a fallen hero they are honoring. The ceremony will conclude with the bell struck five times, the traditional firefighter’s code signifying end of duty.
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City of Muscatine
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