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Photos of the week: 9/11 remembered with a Memorial Stair Climb at UNC

By Kaitlin McKeown
Participants climb the stairs of Kenan Memorial Stadium during an event in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Participants climb the stairs of Kenan Memorial Stadium during an event in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer

Here’s a look at the annual 9/11 tribute at UNC-Chapel Hill to first responders, service members and those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Participants at Kenan Stadium climbed 2,071 stadium stairs — the number of steps in the World Trade Center twin towers — to commemorate the 2,977 victims, including more than 400 first responders. The event was hosted by the University of North Carolina AROTC.

Each week, we highlight memorable photos from The News & Observer’s visual journalists. This feature can be seen in Sunday’s newspaper, as well as in our online Edition. See it at eedition.newsobserver.com.

A person holds an American flag aloft during an event at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
A person holds an American flag aloft during an event at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Participants climb the stairs amid a sea of blue seats at Kenan Memorial Stadium during an event in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Participants climb the stairs amid a sea of blue seats at Kenan Memorial Stadium during an event in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Sweat beads on the face of a participant while climbing the stairs of Kenan Memorial Stadium during an event in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Sweat beads on the face of a participant while climbing the stairs of Kenan Memorial Stadium during an event in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
A participant climbs the stairs of Kenan Memorial Stadium during an event in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
A participant climbs the stairs of Kenan Memorial Stadium during an event in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
Participants share words of encouragement during a memorial stair climb at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, held to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Participants share words of encouragement during a memorial stair climb at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, held to honor those who lost their lives during attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Kaitlin McKeown The News & Observer
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