MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Northern Michigan University’s chapter of Turning Point USA hosted the first “Steps of Honor: Sugarloaf 9/11 Tribute” on Wednesday, giving students and community members a chance to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Participants climbed the 300 steps up Sugarloaf Mountain, with seven trips to the summit symbolizing the 110 flights of stairs first responders climbed inside the Twin Towers. Organizers set up a hospitality table at the base with water and snacks, while custom bracelets were handed out for each lap as a personal marker of progress.
“This is simply just about getting people out and remembering those who fell during that tragic event. And really just being patriotic. You don’t have to be Republican or Democrat or anything in between to partake in something like this. said Evan Reister, president of Turning Point USA at NMU. “It’s just a matter of showing honor and respect for people who gave their life.”
Reister said the event was not about politics, but about community and patriotism. “One of the key principles of our group is promoting patriotism and the love for America. And, you know, 9/11 is one of the most tragic events that’s taken place here. So we wanted to create a patriotic event the community could be part of,” he said.
Reister said he hopes the climb becomes an annual tradition in Marquette.
