Memorial for victims of 9/11 unveiled at SEA Airport

Days before the 20th anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attacks, a new heartfelt dedication created by some local heroes was unveiled at SEA Airport.

The 20th Anniversary 9/11 Heroes Climb Memorial was revealed Wednesday inside a stairwell in the airport’s parking garage.

The staircase is decorated with chronological photos showing the towers before the attack followed by the harsh reality of what was lost.

Each emotional image in the collage was picked by retired Port of Seattle firefighter Allen Martinez.

After over 30 years in the service, he wanted to pay tribute.

“I always felt guilty about not going to 9/11 and helping,” Martinez said.

A group of firefighters threw on their bunker gear and with Martinez in the lead, they began the climb.

While this group may not be in New York for the anniversary, they’ve come up with their own way to commemorate the victims.

The group set out to climb 78 stairs - the highest story reached on the day of the attacks.

The staircase at the airport stops at story 8, so the group will do it multiple times.

Going forward, each time a set of 78 is completed, an obituary of a firefighter that died in 9/11 will be placed at the top of the stairs.

“As a New Yorker having spent the first quarter of my life in New York, it cups deep and it’s really an honor to be standing with those who want to continue to recognize this terrible event,” Port of Seattle commissioner Fred Felleman said.

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